COMMUNITY WILDFIRE PROTECTION PLAN

Prepared for: City of Goleta Neighborhood Services and Public Safety Department 130 Cremona Drive, Suite 100 Goleta, California 93117

March 20, 2012

Prepared by: Geo Elements, LLC PO Box 955 Cedar City, Utah 84721

Community Wildfire Protection Plan Mutual Agreement Page

The Community Wildfire Protection Plan developed for the City of Goleta:

 Was collaboratively developed. Interested parties and federal land management agencies managing land in the vicinity of the City of Goleta have been consulted.

 This plan identifies and prioritizes areas for hazardous fuel reduction treatments and recommends the types and methods of treatment that will protect the City of Goleta.

 This plan recommends measures to reduce the ignitability of structures throughout the area addressed by the plan.

The following entities mutually agree with the contents of this Community Wildfire Protection Plan:

______Daniel Singer City of Goleta City Manager

______Michael Dyer Santa Barbara County Fire Chief

______Robert Lewin San Luis Obispo Unit Chief, California Department of Forestry & Fire Protection

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. INTRODUCTION ...... 11 1.1 PURPOSE OF THE PLAN ...... 11 1.2 GOALS AND OBJECTIVES ...... 11 1.3 POLICY AND REGULATORY FRAMEWORK ...... 12 1.3.1 Federal Level Policy ...... 12 1.3.2 State Level Policy ...... 13 1.3.3 County Level Policy ...... 15 1.3.4 City Level Policy ...... 15 1.3.5 Additional Local Level Policies ...... 16 1.4 CWPP PROCESS ...... 16 1.4.1 Collaborative Approach ...... 17 1.4.2 Goleta CWPP Collaboration ...... 17

2. COMMUNITY OVERVIEW ...... 19 2.1 VALUES AT RISK ...... 19 2.1.1 Life Safety and Structures ...... 19 2.1.2 Natural and Cultural Resources ...... 21 2.1.3 Economy, Commerce, and Infrastructure ...... 22 2.1.4 Recreation and Lifestyle ...... 23 2.2 LAND USE/ZONING ...... 24 2.3 FIRE PROTECTION ...... 25 2.3.1 Additional Fire Protection ...... 26

3. DEFINING GOLETA’S WILDFIRE PROBLEM ...... 27 3.1 FIRE ECOLOGY ...... 27 3.1.1 Chaparral Ecology ...... 27 3.1.2 Eucalyptus Ecology ...... 28 3.1.3 Ecological Enhancement ...... 29 3.2 CLIMATE ...... 29 3.2.1 Climate Change ...... 29 3.3 FIRE HISTORY...... 29 3.4 GOLETA’S WILDLAND FIRE ENVIRONMENT ...... 30 3.4.1 Fuels ...... 30 3.4.1 Fuel Characteristics ...... 32 3.4.2 WEATHER ...... 34 3.4.3 TOPOGRAPHY ...... 35 3.4.4 FIRE BEHAVIOR CHARACTERISTICS ...... 36

4. GOLETA: A COMMUNITY AT RISK ...... 37 4.1 DESIGNATION AS A COMMUNITY AT RISK ...... 37

4.2 GOLETA’S WILDLAND URBAN INTERFACE ...... 37 4.3 NATURAL AND CULTURAL RESOURCE CONCERNS IN THE COMMUNITY ...... 38

5. WILDFIRE ASSESSMENT ...... 39 5.1 CALIFORNIA FIRE HAZARD SEVERITY ZONES ...... 39 5.2 HAZARD ASSESSMENT ...... 39 5.2.1 FlamMap ...... 39 5.2.2 Behave Plus ...... 40 5.2.3 Fire Family Plus ...... 40 5.2.4 Data Sources for Models ...... 40 5.2.4.1 Wildland Fuel Models ...... 40 5.2.4.2 Weather Data...... 42 5.3 HAZARD ASSESSMENT RESULTS...... 42 5.4 RISK ASSESSMENT ...... 43 5.5 STRUCTURE VULNERABILITY ...... 45 5.5.1 Potential Losses to Goleta from Wildfire ...... 47

6. CITY OF GOLETA - ACTION PLAN ...... 48 6.1 COMMUNITY PREPAREDNESS ...... 49 6.1.1 City of Goleta Programs ...... 49 6.1.1.1 Goleta City Alert...... 49 6.1.1.2 Goleta Partnership for Preparedness ...... 49 6.1.1.3 Goleta Prepare Now! ...... 50 6.1.1.4 Community Emergency Response Team ...... 50 6.1.1.5 Emergency Preparedness Program ...... 50 6.1.2 Santa Barbara County Fire Department ...... 50 6.1.2.1 PRC 4291 Implementation ...... 51 6.1.2.2 Red Flag Warning Plan ...... 51 6.1.2.3 Mobile Data Computer/Automatic Vehicle Locator Program ...... 51 6.1.2.4 Public Education ...... 51 6.1.3 Santa Barbara County Office of Emergency Services (SBC OES) ...... 52 6.1.4 Santa Barbara Fire Safe Council ...... 53 6.1.5 Santa Barbara County Community Awareness and Emergency Response (CAER) ...... 53 6.1.6 Red Cross ...... 53 6.2 PROTECTING VALUES ...... 54 6.2.1 Reducing Structure Ignitability ...... 55 6.2.2 Development Standards ...... 56 6.2.3 Water Sources ...... 56 6.2.4 Natural and Cultural Resources...... 57 6.3 FUELS MITIGATION STRATEGY...... 57 6.3.1 Existing Fuel Treatment Activities ...... 58 6.3.2 Vegetation Management Units ...... 59 6.3.3 Private Ownership Lands ...... 60 6.3.4 Prioritization of Fuel Treatments ...... 60 6.3.5 Fuel Treatment Levels and Treatment Types ...... 61

6.3.6 Fuel Treatment Prescriptions ...... 62 6.3.7 Fuel Treatments and Firefighter Safety ...... 62 6.3.8 Fuel Treatment Tactics ...... 62 6.3.9 Monarch Butterfly Aggregation Area Treatment Strategy ...... 70 6.3.10 Example Fuels Modification and Resultant Fire Behavior ...... 73 6.3.11 Fuel Treatment Implementation Timing - Seasonality ...... 73 6.4 EVACUATION ...... 73 6.4.1 Vulnerable Populations ...... 74 6.4.2 Pets ...... 74 6.5 FISCAL RESOURCES AND CONSTRAINTS ...... 75 6.5.1 Grant and Stewardship Opportunities ...... 75

7. MAINTENANCE AND MONITORING ...... 76 7.1 FUEL TREATMENT MONITORING ...... 76 7.1.2 Fuel Treatment Maintenance ...... 76 7.1.3 How to Conduct Monitoring ...... 78 7.2 CWPP REVIEW RECOMMENDATIONS ...... 79

8. CONCLUSIONS SUMMARY ...... 80

9. REFERENCES ...... 82

10. APPENDICES ...... 86 Appendix A Glossary ...... 89 Appendix B Public Questions, Issues, and Comments ...... 93 Appendix C Fire Behavior Modeling Methodology ...... 105 Appendix D Building Standards ...... 115 Appendix E General Guidelines for Creating Defensible Space ...... 155 Appendix F City of Goleta Existing Fuel Treatments ...... 165

LIST OF TABLES

Table 1 Goals and Objectives ...... 12 Table 2 Top Employers in Goleta 2009 ...... 23 Table 3 List of Historical Large Wildfires ...... 30 Table 4 Fuels in Undeveloped Open Spaces and Wildland Areas ...... 31 Table 5 Dead Fuel Moisture & Timelag Relationship to Fuel Size ...... 33 Table 6 Heat of Combustion for Various Fuels ...... 34 Table 7 Fire Behavior Fuel Models within Goleta ...... 41 Table 8 Fire Suppression Interpretation Table ...... 45 Table 9 Reducing Structure Ignitibility ...... 55 Table 10 Vegetation Management Units ...... 59 Table 11 Summary of VMUs w/Open Spaces, Values at Risk, Proposed Activities, & Treatment Priorities ...... 64 Table 12 Prescription Guidance in Undeveloped VMUS ...... 68 Table 13 Prescription Guidance Developed VMUs ...... 69 Table 14 Prescription Guidance for Butterfly Aggregation Areas Adjacent to Structures ...... 72

LIST OF FIGURES

FIGURES FOLLOWS PAGE

Figure 1 City of Goleta Environmentally Sensitive Habitat Areas ...... 21 Figure 2 City of Goleta Historic Sites...... 22 Figure 3 South Coast Bioregion ...... 27 Figure 4 South Coast Wildfire History ...... 29 Figure 5 City of Goleta Wildland Urban Interface ...... 37 Figure 6 CALFIRE FIRE Hazard Severity Zones ...... 39 Figure 7 Fuel Models within Goleta ...... 40 Figure 8 Wildfire Hazards and Risks ...... 42 Figure 9 Crown Fire Potential ...... 43 Figure 10 Water Sources ...... 56 Figure 11 Vegetation Management Units ...... 59 Figure 12 April 2011 Monarch Butterfly Aggregation Sites ...... 70

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1. INTRODUCTION

The development of a Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP) is the process whereby a community collaboratively seeks to understand the threat of wildfires. It identifies the community’s values, and determines whether these values are vulnerable to damage or loss from wildfire then develops a course of action for protecting those values. The City of Goleta’s CWPP provides a science-based assessment that includes extensive field data gathering, compilation of existing data and information, and the participation of stakeholders such as citizens, business owners, local organizations, community leaders, and agencies such as Santa Barbara County Fire Department (SBCFD) and the Los Padres National Forest. This CWPP was prepared in consideration of and consistent with objectives and policies set forth in the City’s General Plan, Strategic Plan, and related Open Space Management Plans. 1.1 PURPOSE OF THE PLAN The purpose of this community wildfire protection plan is to enhance community wildfire protection by identifying fire hazard treatments, which are in balance with sustainable ecological management and fiscal resources. 1.2 GOALS AND OBJECTIVES The goals and objectives for this CWPP help guide future activities intended to reduce the wildfire threat to the City of Goleta’s values. The goals were developed based on questions, issues, and concerns collected from stakeholders during a public workshop. A second public workshop was held to present the CWPP in a more formal educational-oriented environment. In addition, issues and comments from interested parties were received by the City staff and considered during the development of the CWPP’s goals. Table 1 presents the goals and objectives of this CWPP. Each question, issue, and comment were captured and addressed in this CWPP. Appendix B details the individual comments, questions, issues, and the related response or resolution to the issue as presented in the CWPP.

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Table 1 Goals and Objectives

Goals Objectives  Develop a citywide assessment utilizing existing data to identify wildfire hazards and risks on both city- and privately-owned lands. Minimize the wildland fire threat to life safety.  Develop guidelines to mitigate these hazards and risks.  Identify vulnerable populations in consideration of special needs for pre-planning.  Utilize existing data to identify and develop vegetation management units.  Utilize the citywide assessment and designated vegetation management units to guide a vegetation Enhance Goleta’s fire protection and reduce management strategy that includes recommendations the wildfire threat to the City’s values at risk for specific actions to reduce the wildfire threat to (i.e. homes, neighborhoods, critical values. infrastructure, businesses, natural resources,  Identify and prioritize areas within the City’s vegetation historic resources, and recreation management units to focus fuel treatment projects. opportunities).  Develop recommendations for homeowner mitigation strategies to reduce structure vulnerability.  Provide recommendations on hazardous fuel treatment strategies to private landowners.  Utilize existing and available natural resource science to minimize adverse impacts to natural resources while developing mitigation strategies.  Collaborate on the concurrent development of the Balance wildfire mitigation strategies with Monarch Butterfly Habitat Management Plan. natural resource sustainability.  Utilize minimum impact tactics during implementation of wildfire mitigation treatments in sensitive habitat and natural resource areas.  Maintain communication with the various environmental resource specialists. Improve City eligibility for funding assistance from federal and state agencies (National  Develop a Goleta-specific plan that exceeds the Fire Plan, Healthy Forest Restoration Act, requirements of a Community Wildfire Protection Plan. FEMA, and other sources) 1.3 POLICY AND REGULATORY FRAMEWORK It is essential to understand all applicable local, state and federal policy relevant to the process of developing a CWPP. The knowledge of laws and regulations ensures a path of compliance for the wildfire mitigation recommendations disclosed in the City of Goleta’s CWPP. 1.3.1 Federal Level Policy Disaster Mitigation Act (2000–present) Section 104 of the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 (Public Law 106-390) enacted Section 322, Mitigation Planning of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, which created incentives for state and local entities to coordinate mitigation planning and implementation efforts, and is an important source of funding for fuels mitigation efforts through hazard mitigation grants.

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National Incident Management System (NIMS) The City adopted NIMS, which provides a systematic, proactive approach to guide departments and agencies at all levels of government, nongovernmental organizations, and the private sector to work seamlessly to prevent, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate the effects of incidents, regardless of cause, size, location, or complexity, in order to reduce the loss of life and property and harm to the environment. NIMS improves and enhances the City’s ability to prepare for and respond to potential incidents and hazard scenarios. National Fire Plan (NFP) 2000 The summer of 2000 marked a historic milestone in wildland fire records for the United States. Dry conditions (primarily across the Western U.S.), led to destructive wildfire events on an estimated 7.2 million acres, nearly double the 10-year average. Costs in damages including fire suppression activities were approximately 2.1 billion dollars. Congressional direction called for substantial new appropriations for wildland fire management. This resulted in action plans, interagency strategies, and the Western Governor's Association's “A Collaborative Approach for Reducing Wildland Fire Risks to Communities and the Environment - A 10-Year Comprehensive Strategy - Implementation Plan”, which collectively became known as the National Fire Plan. This plan places a priority on collaborative work within communities to reduce their risk from large-scale wildfires. Healthy Forest Initiative (HFI) 2002 Healthy Forest Restoration Act (HFRA) 2003 The wildfire problem continued to be at the forefront of national issues. In August 2002, the Healthy Forests Initiative (HFI) was launched with the intent to reduce the risks severe wildfires pose to people, communities, and the environment. Congress then passed the Healthy Forests Restoration Act (HFRA) on December 3, 2003 to provide additional administrative tools needed to implement the HFI. The HFRA strengthened efforts to restore healthy forest conditions near communities by authorizing measures such as expedited environmental assessments for hazardous fuels projects on federal land. Congress affirmed the need to reduce the risk of wildfires to communities, municipal water supplies, forests, rangelands, and other important landscape components. This Act emphasized the need for federal agencies to work collaboratively with communities in developing hazardous fuel reduction projects and places priority on fuel treatments identified by communities themselves in their CWPPs. 1.3.2 State Level Policy California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) The 1970 CEQA has evolved into one of the most prominent components of community planning in California. It requires state and local agencies to follow a protocol of analysis and public disclosure of environmental impacts in proposed projects and to include feasible measures to mitigate those impacts. Any proposed hazard fuel treatment project recommended in this CWPP must comply with CEQA regulations. California Coastal Act of 1976 (CA Public Resources Code Sections 30000 et seq.) This Act protects California’s coast through state and local government implementation of policies that safeguard state interests in coastal resources including the provision of maximum public access and recreational opportunities to and along the shoreline. The Goleta General Plan/Coastal Land Use Plan

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(GP/CP) incorporates the Coastal Plan policy in City plan directives. All proposed treatments in the mapped Coastal Zone are subject to permits and approval by the California Coast Commission. California Strategic Fire Plan (updated 2010) This statewide plan is a broad strategic document, which guides fire policy for much of California. It is an innovative plan aimed at reducing wildfire risk through pre-fire mitigation efforts tailored to local areas through assessments of fuels, hazards, and risks (Available at http://cdfdata.fire.ca.gov/pub/fireplan/fpupload/fpppdf668.pdf). California State Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan (updated 2010) The purpose of the State Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan (SHMP) is to significantly reduce deaths, injuries, and other disaster losses attributed to natural- and human‐caused hazards in California. The SHMP provides guidance for hazard mitigation activities emphasizing partnerships among local, state, and federal agencies as well as the private sector (This plan is available at http://hazardmitigation.calema.ca.gov/docs/2010_SHMP_Final.pdf). Public Resources Code Section 4290 This provision grants authority to State Board of Forestry and Fire Protection to develop and implement fire safety standards for defensible space on State Responsibility Area (SRA) lands. SRA lands include the area between the City boundary and the Los Padres National Forest boundary. Fire protection for SRA land is contracted to SBCFD. All construction of new developments on SRA lands approved after January 1, 1991 must follow these regulations. At a minimum, the regulations includes road standards for fire equipment access; standards for street, road, and building identification signage; minimum levels for private water supply reserves that could be used for emergency fire use; and fuel breaks and greenbelts. Public Resources Code Section 4291 A recent state law, effective in January 2005, extends the required defensible space clearance around homes and structures from 30 feet to 100 feet for wildfire protection. The code applies to all lands that have flammable vegetation. The regulations include several requirements for how the vegetation surrounding buildings and structures should be managed to create defensible space. 2010 California Fire Code (adopted by Santa Barbara County and City of Goleta in 2011) This code establishes regulations affecting or relating to structures, processes, premises and safeguards regarding residences and historic buildings. It includes: 1) hazards of fire and explosion arising from the storage, handling or use of structures, materials or devices; 2) conditions hazardous to life, property or public welfare in the occupancy of structures or premises; 3) fire hazards in the structure or on the premises from occupancy or operation; 4) matters related to the construction, extension, repair, alteration or removal of fire suppression or alarm systems; and 5) conditions affecting the safety of fire fighters and emergency responders during emergency operations.

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1.3.3 County Level Policy Office of Emergency Services – Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan This plan is a tool for all stakeholders to increase public awareness of local natural and human-made hazards and risks, while providing information about options and resources available to reduce risks by hazard mitigation measures. Santa Barbara Unit Fire Plan - 2011 The Santa Barbara Unit Fire Plan is intended to convey management direction from the County Fire Chief, involve and educate stakeholders on the wildfire environment, establish strategic priorities for wildfire prevention and suppression projects and programs into a single unified plan, and be a living document that will adapt to changing conditions and be updated on a regular basis. 1.3.4 City Level Policy Goleta General Plan/Coastal Land Use Plan Policy (GP/CP) 2006 This plan governs land use, physical development, safety elements, conservation elements, and housing elements within the geographic area of the incorporated city limits. The California Coastal Act policy is cited in conjunction with GP/CP policy in the Plan. There are five chapters covering policy items including: Chapter 2 – “Land Use Element”  Policy LU 5: Public and Quasi-Public Land Uses  Policy LU 6: Park and Open Space Uses Chapter 3 - “Open Space Element”  Policy OS 4: Trails and Bikeways  Policy OS 5: Ellwood-Devereux Open Space Area  Policy OS 6: Public Park System Plan Chapter 4 – “Conservation Element”  Policy CE 4: Protection of Monarch Butterfly Habitat Areas  Policy CE 5: Protection of other Terrestrial Habitat Areas Chapter 5 – “Safety Element”  Policy SE 7: Urban and Wildland fire hazards Chapter 6 – “Visual and Historic Resources Element”  Policy VH 5: Historic Resources  Policy VH 6: Historical and Cultural Landscapes Chapter 10 – Housing Element  Goleta Municipal Codes (Codes are available at http://qcode.us/codes/Goleta) Chapter 21, Subdivision Regulations  Title 15 Buildings and Construction  Title 16 Subdivisions Ordinances  Ratifies Santa Barbara County Ordinance 4704 adopting the 2010 California Fire Code and updating the Fire Code Fee Schedule

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1.3.5 Additional Local Level Policies Ellwood-Devereux Plan (2004) This plan describes goals, policies and management activities to protect and enhance the Ellwood- Devereux Open Space Plan Area and provide for public access compatible with the conservation of its regionally significant coastal resources. Coronado Butterfly Preserve Management & Enhancement Plan (2000) Provides planning and management guidelines necessary to restore and maintain the land’s value as a natural open space, to enhance its utility as an aggregation and foraging habitat for the monarch butterfly, and promotes ecologically compatible public access and environmental education activities. Monarch Butterfly Habitat Management Plan (Planning in progress) This management plan will prescribe both habitat maintenance and improvement measures. It will explain the purpose and importance of managing monarch butterfly habitat protection, study methods, inventory results, and discussion of the Ellwood and Goleta population in the context of the greater western monarch butterfly population. Recommendations will be made regarding beneficial measures for all life stages of the monarch butterfly. (NOTE: There has been collaborative work between specialists on management recommendations for monarch butterfly habitat improvement and wildfire hazard mitigations.) Lake Los Carneros Natural & Historical Preserve Master Plan This plan guides the use and management of Lake Los Carneros, considers concerns of residents, and maintains the Park’s development consistent with other plans. It provides an inventory and assessment of natural, cultural, and historical resources in the largest open space in the City with management opportunities for recreation development and constraints for activities in order to protect natural and cultural resources. This area includes several historical structures such as the Stow House and Goleta Depot.

1.4 CWPP PROCESS In 1974, C.P. Butler, a senior physicist at the Stanford The wildland urban interface (WUI) is a line, area or zone where Research Institute, coined the structures and other human development meet or intermingle with term "urban-wildland interface" undeveloped wildland and vegetative fuels. A CWPP represents the and described the fire problem best opportunity to address the challenges of the WUI in a way that as follows: “In its simplest delivers comprehensive and locally supported solutions. terms, the fire interface is any point where the fuel feeding a The HFRA’s emphasis on community planning extends a variety of wildfire changes from natural benefits to communities with a wildfire protection plan in place. Among (wildland) fuel to man-made (urban) fuel. ...For this to the benefits to a community of having a CWPP is the option of happen, wildland fire must be establishing a localized definition and boundary for WUI, the close enough for its flying opportunity to help shape fuels treatment priorities for surrounding brands or flames to contact the federal and non-federal lands, and provides potential federal funding flammable parts of the structure (p.3).” through grants to implement fuel treatments.

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The CWPP process brings together diverse local interests to discuss their mutual concerns for public safety, community sustainability, and natural resources. It offers a positive, solution-oriented environment in which to address challenges such as local firefighting capability and the need for defensible space around structures and subdivisions. The minimum requirements for a CWPP as described in the HFRA are: 1. Collaboration: A CWPP must be collaboratively developed by local and state government representatives, in consultation with federal agencies and other interested parties. 2. Prioritized Fuel Reduction: A CWPP must identify and prioritize areas for hazardous fuel reduction treatments and recommend the types and methods of treatment that will protect one or more at-risk communities and essential infrastructure. 3. Treatment of Structural Ignitability: A CWPP must recommend measures that homeowners and communities can take to reduce the ignitability of structures throughout the area addressed by the plan. Elements of Successful 1.4.1 Collaborative Approach Collaboration in Community Wildfire Protection Planning In a CWPP development process, the more inclusive the group and the include: greater the diversity of interests involved, the more likely it is to be  Broad participation  A fair, equitable process representative of the community as a whole and to find broadly  Well understood, acceptable, mutually agreeable solutions. The CWPP collaborative reasonable process effectively improves coordination and communication between expectations  Multiple avenues for emergency response agencies and the community. Collaboration participation should stimulate or strengthen local efforts encouraging public education  Commitment to the and action to reduce wildfire risk to life and property. Perhaps most process importantly, collaborative processes help build trust and good working relationships among the participants. 1.4.2 Goleta CWPP Collaboration The initial step was to organize a public workshop to encourage participation and input by all stakeholders (including citizens, homeowner associations, local organizations, and local, state, and federal agencies within and adjacent to the City of Goleta) in the development of this CWPP and the Monarch Butterfly Habitat Management Plan (MBHMP). A variety of methods were used to invite stakeholders including post card invitations mailed to all property owners, phone calls to local organizations and agencies, information and the invitation was posted on the City’s website, and media releases were made through the print and electronic/digital media. The workshop took place at the Goleta Valley Community Center on the evening of February 23, 2011. The workshop was well attended by stakeholders who took part in identifying issues and concerns related to wildland fire, butterfly habitat, and both the development of the CWPP and MBHMP. Participants included citizens, the Goleta Mayor, City council members, many City Staffers, SBCFD personnel, Office of Emergency Services (OES), Santa Barbara County Fire Safe Council members, Los Padres National Forest personnel, and Geo Elements, LLC’s team of wildland fire specialists.

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An informative, visual presentation was presented on the CWPP followed by an educational briefing on the MBHMP. Following the presentations, stations/tables were set up to allow an informal interactive opportunity for people to dialog individually with presenters and City Staff on topics of their interest or concern. The group then reconvened to discuss questions/comments collected throughout the workshop allowing a forum for everyone to ask additional questions and get immediate feedback. Finally, a question and answer session with the larger group concluded the workshop. The process was highly collaborative for an overall successful workshop. The session was video-recorded and notes were captured for all comments and concerns to be addressed in the CWPP planning process. In addition, information sharing and on-going discussions throughout the CWPP process occurred with City Staff, SBCFD personnel, Dr. Richard Meade with Althouse and Meade (Monarch Butterfly Habitat Management Plan consultants), Office of Emergency Services planning manager, and the Los Padres National Forest personnel. In an effort to promote cost efficiency, much of the consultation, collaboration, and discussion occurred frequently through phone calls, emails, and data sharing through a website. For more information on the general CWPP Process, please visit the following websites:  “Preparing a Community Wildfire Protection Plan – a handbook for Wildland-Urban Interface Communities” at http://www.cafirealliance.org/cwpp  Partnership Resource Center - www.partnershipresourcecenter.org/cwpp

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2. COMMUNITY OVERVIEW

The City of Goleta is a beautiful and unique coastal community that sits on a narrow one to five mile wide coastal plain on California’s Central Coast. The coast here is oriented east to west below the Santa Ynez Mountains, which rises dramatically from sea level to peaks above 3,000 feet. Narrow, moist riparian corridors contrast sharply with an otherwise dry landscape. The natural beauty of Goleta is a major part of the quality of life. Scenic coastal shoreline, sparkling Pacific Ocean, steep and dense chaparral covered Santa Ynez Mountains of the Los Padres National Forest, numerous parks and open spaces, and abundant wildlife all contribute to the feelings that this is one of the best places to live. This natural beauty, however, has an often overlooked but inherent ecological aspect – the area is highly prone to large wildfires. A combination of hot and dry Mediterranean climate, highly ignitable vegetation, numerous fire ignitions, and human development creates significant potential for a major disaster from wildfire. Throughout the summer, the area experiences numerous small wildfires and every decade large, catastrophic wildfires occur along the South Coast of Santa Barbara County. 2.1 VALUES AT RISK Values at risk are the intrinsic values threatened by wildfire that are important to our way of life. Values can include structures, infrastructure, businesses, and other tangible things but values can also include intangible things such as natural resources, sensitive species, wildlife, cultural resources, and a community’s feelings about their community and the landscape around them. The City of Goleta’s vision statement summarizes well what is valued in the community: “Goleta remains a beautiful and safe small town community, with family-friendly neighborhoods, that values the environment, agriculture, and open space while providing housing, recreation and business opportunities.” Although we cannot address the non-spatial intangible values in mitigating wildfire hazard and risk, we can take action to protect those spatial tangible values by developing strategies to reduce the wildfire threat. The challenge is to consider the level of mitigation that is required to protect one value without jeopardizing other values from wildfire. Public outreach in the community has emphasized the importance of the following values:  Life safety, homes, and neighborhoods  Natural resources  Recreational uses  Critical infrastructure  Cultural and historic resources  Municipal properties 2.1.1 Life Safety and Structures Fast moving wildfires in the South Coast of Santa Barbara County, such as the Romero, Coyote, and Painted Cave Fires, have killed firefighters and a resident. The protection of human life and safety is

19 | P a g e City of Goleta C o m m u n i t y Wildfire Protection Plan the highest priority for all mitigation strategies in the City followed by property. A home or residence Life safety considers both the life and physical well-being of all people in the includes a community. permanent home such as a single- The 2010 Census reports that Goleta has 29,888 residents that inhabit family structure, approximately 11,473 housing units, and approximately 22 percent of those apartment, residents are under the age of 18 years old (2010 Census, condominium or a http://factfinder2.census.gov/main.html). Currently it is estimated that temporary home such as a nursing thousands of disabled people live in WUI areas as do those in assisted living homes, hospitals, housing and nursing homes (according to the 2000 US Census, 1 in 5 and hospice care. individuals claim some degree of disability). Unfortunately, little data is available for vulnerable populations living in Goleta. Available information includes:  In 2006, it was estimated that 10% of the population (40,000 people) in Santa Barbara County could be defined as “vulnerable”. However, this number only includes the “medically fragile” such as bedridden, totally dependent, difficulty swallowing, requires electrical equipment to sustain life, critical medications requiring daily monitoring, insulin-dependent diabetic unable to monitor blood sugar, requires continuous IV therapy, and terminally ill (Report of the 2005-2006 Santa Barbara County Civil Grand Jury).  In 2009 it was estimated that almost five percent of all families fell below the poverty level and thirty-five percent of Goleta’s population speaks a language other than English of which fifteen percent speak English less than “very well” (2005-2009 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates Data). There are numerous life safety issues to consider in the WUI including evacuation, high-density neighborhoods, sheltering in place, vulnerable populations, access/egress, defensible space, and structure vulnerability. Often times during a wildfire, residents in the WUI will choose not to evacuate but stay and defend their homes or decide to shelter in place until the fire danger passes. Without the proper understanding the effects of their decisions, citizen’s actions can put their life safety at risk as well as that of firefighters and law enforcement personnel. Threats to life safety include inadequate defensible space around structures. It can also include structures that are vulnerable due to flammable exterior construction material and/or design making homes/structures indefensible during a wildfire. Citizens lacking firefighting knowledge, limited water sources, low water pressure, improper or late evacuation, and limitations on access and egress for citizens and emergency personnel are also big concerns especially in areas with high-density neighborhoods. Individuals who have delayed their evacuation with the intent of defending their homes, or to shelter in place, or slow to leave their homes due to packing personal items have died while fleeing WUI fires in a panic. Vulnerable populations have special needs that are critical to address during disasters such as wildfire. These populations may be less likely to respond to, cope with, recover from wildfire, and are less likely to get involved in wildfire mitigation activities. (Ojerio, 2008). Age and physical and mental disabilities and limitations can restrict mobility making it more difficult to evacuate in a disaster; lack of financial resources may hinder the ability for low-income populations to invest in emergency preparedness or mitigation measures or to recover from loss, and language may result in communication barriers to evacuation or support services (Bollig, Lynn, 2006). In addition, visitors to the City and are likely

20 | P a g e City of Goleta C o m m u n i t y Wildfire Protection Plan unfamiliar with the wildfire threat or the extent of their exposure making them potentially vulnerable as well. Pets and animals are another vulnerable population to consider. Many pets and large animals can face undue loss or suffering due to poor disaster preparedness by their human caretakers. During a wildfire, animals become frightened and more difficult to handle taking more time to evacuate, even with a strong family disaster plan. Many emergency shelters and evacuation centers deny admission to pets for health and safety concerns. During a disaster, people risk their lives and the lives of others to save their pets, and oftentimes homeowners are unwilling to evacuate or enter a shelter during an emergency without their animals so they remain at risk and/or place rescue workers at risk. 2.1.2 Natural and Cultural Resources The setting within and surrounding Goleta City is plentiful in natural resources ranging from unique coastal habitat to inland native woodlands and savannahs to distinctive eucalyptus groves housing the monarch butterfly (See most recent ESHA Map, Figure 1). Goleta’s natural resources have the potential to be destroyed or adversely affected by a wildfire event. There are a variety of Environmentally Sensitive Habitat Areas (ESHAs) where plants, animals, or habitats are either rare or especially valuable. The ESHAs across Goleta are both unique and diverse in species and composition characteristics. The general ESHA designations across Goleta include but are not limited to:  Creek and riparian areas  Wetlands, such as vernal pools  Coastal dunes, lagoons or estuaries, coastal bluffs, coastal bluff scrub  Beach and shoreline habitats  Marine habitats  Coastal sage scrub and chaparral  Native woodlands and savannahs, including oak woodlands  Native grasslands  Monarch butterfly aggregation sites and related habitat areas  Beach dune areas; nesting and foraging locations for the western snowy plover  Nesting and roosting sites and related habitat area for various raptor species  Other habitat area for wildlife/plant species designated rare, threatened or endangered under state or federal law  Other habitat areas that are rare or especially valuable from a local, regional or statewide perspective The monarch butterfly habitat area is of particular significance in that it attracts worldwide visitation to the City. Monarch butterfly aggregations in Goleta are quite accessible due to their location and the temperate year-round climate of California’s coast. Local, national and international visitors are drawn with interests ranging from casual viewing to research studies. Further information on Goleta’s monarch butterfly habitat will be available in the newly authored “Monarch Butterfly Habitat Management Plan”. Visual and Scenic Resources are vital components that shape the natural beauty of Goleta and the surrounding area. A primary objective of the California Coastal Act is the protection of scenic and visual resources, particularly as viewed from public places such as road right-of-way and park and open space areas. Goleta Valley is well known for the scenic splendor of its open spaces, foothills, and both

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Figure 1 City of Goleta Environmentally Sensitive Habitat Areas

ocean and mountain views. Visually attractive open spaces include public recreation areas, agricultural lands and highly scenic coastal open spaces - all visible to the public. The Goleta GP/CP, Scenic Views policy objective states, “To identify, protect and enhance Goleta’s scenic resources and protect views or vistas of these resources from public and private areas”. Visual and Scenic Resources are an inherent natural resource that can be threatened, damaged or destroyed in a wildfire. Cultural Resources are derived from the beliefs, arts, and institutions that A cultural landscape is help shape and define the character of an area's population. Cultural defined as a resources include buildings, structures, sites or other artifacts created by or geographical area associated with human culture and valued for their cultural and/or historic including both cultural significance. A guiding principle in the Visual and Historic Resources and natural resources associated with a historic Element of Goleta’s GP/CP Chapter 6 states, “Recognize and preserve the event, activity, or person. unique and valuable scenic and historic resources that reflect the cultural A historical landscape is and historical heritage of Goleta.” composed of character- defining features that Policy in Goleta’s GP/CP states that historical and cultural landscapes and contribute to the physical the heritage they represent shall be protected, preserved, and enhanced to appearance over time. the fullest extent feasible. These areas include archaeological sites, historic buildings (i.e. Stow House, Sexton House, Goleta Depot, Barnsdall-Rio Grande Gasoline Station, Shrode Produce Company, etc), historic landscaping, gardens, and open spaces such as agricultural areas that provide a historic context for buildings (i.e. Bishop Ranch). Included in this policy are heritage trees that contribute to the distinctive setting in Goleta. Protection responsibility should include awareness and understanding of the inherent hazards and risks that wildfire poses in these environments (See Historic Site Map, Figure 2). 2.1.3 Economy, Commerce, and Infrastructure Census data for 2010 is limited at the time of this Plan, but a 2006 estimate shows that the estimated Goleta CDP median household income was $69,446 and the estimated per capita income was $33,047. Catastrophic WUI fires have historically caused significant property, economic, and infrastructure losses. Goleta is located in the commercial and industrial center of Santa Barbara County. Short and long term losses can include loss of day-to-day delivery services from the City and businesses, destroyed or damaged schools may cause displacement of students, railway damage affecting Amtrak, damaged roads, depleted water systems, damaged sewer systems and water treatment plants, and lack of power due to burned power poles and melted powerlines. In addition, the impacts to Goleta Valley Cottage Hospital, numerous nursing and rehab facilities, and municipal properties may be greatly affected. It can take days, weeks, or months to repair these critical infrastructure.

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Figure 2 City of Goleta Historic Sites

Losses or damages to any of businesses can affect employment opportunities in the City. The top employers in Goleta to consider include:

Table 2 Top Employers in Goleta 2009 Employer Number of Employees Raytheon 1,573 Sansum Clinic 965 Cintrix Online 544 Barcara Resorts 527 Yardi Systems 380 Allergan (Inamed) 350 FLIR 325 Cottage Hospital 325 Karl Storz Imaging 300 Goleta Unified School District 278 Mentor Corp 265 Jordano’s 182 ATK 156 Costco 150 The Home Depot 140 Taken from the 2010 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report, 2010 Data was not available.

Economic and financial losses can have long-term effects, including:  Loss of economic vitality because of the destroyed businesses  Loss of tax revenue  Loss of revenue from tourism 2.1.4 Recreation and Lifestyle Fundamental elements that attract people to the City of Goleta include the temperate coastal climate, the beautiful scenery, and the friendly community setting. A large portion of the Goleta population enjoys a variety of outdoor activities on a year-round basis. On any given day of the year, it is common to find families and individuals recreating at the beach or at one of the many parks and open spaces. People of all age groups engage in outdoor exercise or activities including bicycle riding, running, hiking, walking, rollerblading, surfing, and swimming (ocean or pool). The community infrastructure supports this healthy lifestyle by investing in the upkeep of public parks and an extensive network of paved bike-paths throughout the City. An essential aspect exhibited in Goleta’s diverse character is the open space and resource lands within and adjacent to the community. The undeveloped open-space areas both protect environmental resources and support numerous recreational opportunities. An example is the system of unpaved

23 | P a g e City of Goleta C o m m u n i t y Wildfire Protection Plan hiking trails used by hikers, runners, mountain bike riders, and walkers. This includes approximately 2 miles of Pacific shoreline, beaches and coastal bluffs. Late summer and fall is a high-use outdoor recreation time-period in Goleta and the weather is commonly warm and dry. The impacts of wildfires to recreational opportunities includes the loss of recreation facilities, degradation of scenic values, loss of picnic tables, recreation related structure loss, and loss of wildlife viewing experiences. A keen awareness of the potential for destructive wildfire including ignition potential, hazards and risks in the Goleta vicinity is critical knowledge for all members of the community. 2.2 LAND USE/ZONING Land use decisions in Goleta are shaped by the community’s desire to preserve and protect its natural resources, its attractive neighborhoods, existing land use patterns, and quality of life.

Distribution of Planned Land Use by Use Category (City of Goleta, 2006)

As shown in the chart, the top three land use categories comprise 62% of land use distribution in Goleta include:  Public/Quasi-Public – Governmental administration and operations, schools, fire stations, and other public and institutional uses within the City.  Residential Use (Single Family) – Residential needs of existing and future city residents consistent with the existing character of the City’s neighborhoods.  Open Space, Active and Passive Recreation – Public parks, recreation, and open space land uses and private recreational lands within the City. Of these three land use categories, Open Spaces are a key focal point when addressing potential wildfire hazards and risks that pose a threat to portions of Goleta. The parks and open spaces in Goleta provide a highly valued and important component of the existing and future environment. A combination of manicured parks and undeveloped open spaces comprise a total of 526 acres. The three largest city-owned regional open preserves are the Sperling Preserve, Santa Barbara Shores Park, and Lake Los Carneros Natural and Historical Preserve with a collective land-base of 336 acres. Additionally, 2-miles of Pacific shoreline is also owned by the City. These preserves and neighborhood open space areas afford many opportunities for passive recreation activities and enjoyment of natural areas but can also increase wildfire ignition potential and the undeveloped components contribute significantly to fire spread.

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GP/CP policies pertaining to the Open Space Element recognize, manage and protect open space areas with a set of nine guiding principles and goals. The context in three of these principles (Principles 1,5, and 7 shown below) describe fundamental provisions that support the adoption of a community wildfire plan to provide guidance to work toward sustaining these open spaces through time. Principle 1. Provide and maintain, in coordination with other agencies, a system of parks, open spaces, and recreation facilities that are accessible to and will meet the needs of present and future users of all age groups. Principle 5. Preserve Goleta’s existing open space areas, including its beaches and Pacific shoreline, sensitive habitat areas, and agricultural lands, and increase the amount of permanently protected open space as opportunities for acquisition arise. Principle 7. Manage open space areas in a manner that provides for public access, passive and active recreational use, and enjoyment, consistent with protection of natural and scenic resource values. The common theme present in the above three principles involves providing, maintaining, preserving, and managing open areas in and around the City. 2.3 FIRE PROTECTION Through a contract, Santa Barbara County Fire Department provides fire protection for the City of Goleta. The SBCFD serves a large area encompassing approximately 2,700 square miles. There are five fire stations that service Goleta area located at 4570 Hollister Avenue, 5330 Calle Real, 381 Storke Road, 320 Los Carneros Road, and one on the University of California Santa Barbara (UCSB) campus. The fire station located on the UCSB campus provides service to the University and most of Isla Vista. The Fire Department is responsible for managing the following activities for the City of Goleta:  Fire Suppression  Assist in planning and development of Development Standards for High Fire Hazard Areas, as well as enforcing these standards  Enforcing fuel breaks along highway corridors and pubic roadways  Conducting outreach and education  Conducting prescribed burns  Participate in the Healthy Forest Initiative  Monitoring “fire weather” and completing annual action plans based on data from fire service agencies The 5-minute response time for urban Most of Goleta falls within a 5-minute response time from areas refers to the following objectives: existing fire stations, although the western edge of the City “one minute for turnout time, four minutes or less for arrival of the first arriving engine and some northern neighborhoods can experience longer company at a fire suppression incident response times. The City of Goleta is actively pursuing the and/or eight minutes or less for the deployment of a full alarm assignment at a development of a proposed fire station in western Goleta fire suppression incident” (National Fire (Fire Station 10) to reduce response times and minimize the Protection Association 1710, Chapter 4, threat to existing and proposed development. Without the Section 4.1.2.1). Response times under 5 minutes are considered adequate and benefit of this additional fire station, wildfires that start along response times over 5 minutes are the western and northern portion of Goleta have a greater considered substandard.

25 | P a g e City of Goleta C o m m u n i t y Wildfire Protection Plan probability of establishing thereby getting larger and more difficult to control. 2.3.1 Additional Fire Protection The California Fire Master Mutual Aid Agreement requires each county to have a mutual aid plan. Because several cities and unincorporated areas of Santa Barbara County provide their own fire protection services, the Santa Barbara County Mutual Aid Plan is an essential mechanism for coordinating fire protection resources. Mutual Aid takes on several different forms. For initial attack purposes, “local mutual aid” facilitates the day-to-day responses where the closest resources are dispatched regardless of jurisdictional boundaries. Through a mutual aid agreement, an automatic response of supplemental aerial and ground fire suppression resources from the U.S. Forest Service and CAL FIRE will respond to the area north of Cathedral Oaks to assist SBCFD. This is to protect the Los Padres National Forest and SRA lands respectively. If SBCFD needs additional fire suppression resources at any time for fires occurring within the City of Goleta, there are mutual aid agreements in place with other fire agencies to request assistance.

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3. DEFINING GOLETA’S WILDFIRE PROBLEM

Wildfire has always been part of Santa Barbara County’s normal ecological processes both benefiting and damaging natural resources; however when these fires encroach on people and human development they can become disastrous. A wildland fire becomes a WUI fire when a fire burning in wildland fuels spreads to urban fuels (i.e. structures, wood decks, flammable landscaping, etc.) through flames and/or burning embers. The probability of a catastrophic wildfire occurring at any particular location within or adjacent to the City is dependent on a chain of events that includes fire ignition, fire weather, fire behavior, suppression actions taken, and the interaction of these factors. Each year Santa Barbara County firefighters are successful in containing most fires to less than one acre, which is a direct result of favorable weather and fuels conditions, early reporting, a large and fast aerial and ground fire suppression response, and good access to wildfires by fire suppression resources. However, when an ignition occurs during unfavorable weather and fuel conditions, and/or there is poor or limited access for fire suppression resources due to poor road conditions, and/or a lack or delay of aerial fire suppression resources these fires become unmanageable. Wildfires, once established, may grow very quickly and burn intensely often leading to the destruction of structures, infrastructure, watersheds, cultural or historic sites, and natural habitats. This section will describe the City of Goleta’s wildfire problem. 3.1 FIRE ECOLOGY Fire ecology examines the role of fire in ecosystems and includes vegetation and animals that interact with one another and with their physical environment. Animal populations and human communities have developed in the habitats where wildfire has been the dynamic factor. Wildfire is a pervasive, natural, environmental occurrence throughout much of California’s ecosystems and is a natural component of the South Coast ecosystem. Wildfire visits nearly every landscape in California with a remarkable variety in frequency, intensity, and effects. California’s expansive and varied land base includes nine different bioregions (See Figure 3) based on relatively consistent patterns of vegetation and fire regimes (Sugihara, 2006). 3.1.1 Chaparral Ecology The South Coast bioregion, which includes the wildlands above Goleta, is a complex mosaic of grasslands, shrublands, forest and woodland that forms a relatively fine-grained landscape. Chaparral vegetation species native to the area includes manzanita, California-lilac - Ceanothus, mountain- mahogany, flannelbush, Christmas berry, cherry, oak, coffeeberry or red-berry, chamise, and sumac or sugarbush. These species have existed in this bioregion since at least mid to late Miocene – 5 to 15 million years ago (Sugihara, 2006). Chaparral ecosystems consist of a dense growth of shrubs native to the Santa Ynez Mountains above Goleta. A fire regime is a function of five components: frequency, season, extent or patchiness, type of fire, and fire intensity (Whelan, 1995). Many small fires and few large fires likely characterized the natural chaparral fire regime in the South Coast with fire intensity and severity variable (Keeley, J. Fotheringham, CJ, 2001). There is some disagreement over the historic fire-return interval for coastal sage scrub communities but some researchers estimate the fire return interval to range from <35 to

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Figure 3 South Coast Bioregion

<100 years while others believe the natural fire frequency in coastal sage scrub to be near the lower end of a 20- to 40-year cycle, which is common in adjacent chaparral communities. Researchers believe there is a significant loss of a historic range due to development, agriculture, human-caused fires, and vegetation type conversion that has altered fire regimes in coastal sage scrub communities (Hauser, 2006). Many chaparral species in naturally fire-affected environments require fire to germinate. Chaparral shrubs are very flammable due to the resinous foliage, woody stems, accumulated litter, and standing dead branches. The flammability of chaparral species increases over time through deposition of flammable leaf litter impregnated with volatile oil (oils in the leaves help make the plant drought resistant) and with rare exceptions, chaparral always burns as active crown fires. Fire intensity is generally high, but varies depending on fuel moisture and weather. The output of a disturbance such as wildfire can create diversity in the chaparral environment. Immediately after a fire event, the short-lived herbs and forbs (called “fire-followers”) initially dominate because of their sheer numbers and often produce a spectacular display of wildflowers. Within 2 - 5 years, the seedlings of chaparral plants and shrubs resprouting from their crown roots or burls take over. Their more aggressive root systems exploit deeper water reserves, they will eventually shade out the forbs, and grasses then replace them. The seeds of these herbaceous fire followers persist in the soil until released by heat from the next wildfire. Today, fire frequency in the South Coast Chaparral bioregion is highest in the summer but the bulk of the landscape burns in the fall. California has always been and will continue to be a fire environment unmatched in North America. It is an integral natural element that has shaped California’s ecosystems through time. 3.1.2 Eucalyptus Ecology Eucalyptus trees from Australia were introduced into California in the late 1850’s and into the Goleta area in the 1870’s. In its native habitat, bluegum eucalyptus grows in pure stands and in mixtures with many other eucalypt species. In California, it has been planted with forest redgum eucalyptus and river redgum eucalyptus. Bluegum eucalyptus is a deciduous tree that generally grows from 98 to 180 feet tall but some bluegums have attained heights of 260 feet in California. Most growth of bluegum eucalyptus occurs within the first 5 to 10 years when 60 to 70 percent of their total height is achieved by about age 10. Bluegum eucalyptus trees typically grow in dense monocultures and are almost devoid of understory vegetation, except for a few hardy grasses (Esser, FEIS Database accessed 2011). The way in which a plant species responds after fire exposure is often a reflection of the fire regime and vice versa. Most eucalypt species have acquired traits, which allow them to promote wildfires and survive them and/or rapidly take over the newly-burned environment. Bark, crown structure, and leaf characteristics of eucalypts all promote the kindling and spread of wildfires. Some eucalypts are termed “stringybarks” or “candlebarks” since their bark hangs in long, fibrous stringers which wildfire can easily light and spread up into the canopy. Wildfire convection and winds can also send burning bark and leaves into the air carrying them to other dry patches (Pyne 1991). They also shed their bark as it burns, preventing long-term heat exposure to the underlying cambium. Bluegum eucalyptus readily sprouts and tends to grow into dense thickets and produce pendulous leaves. Heavy dense production promotes intense fires and the leaf arrangement funnels hot air upwards through the canopy.

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Fuel buildup occurs very rapidly in unmanaged bluegum eucalyptus stands in California. Based on this swift fuels accumulation process, the highly flammable leaves and the volatile composition of shedding bark and limbs of bluegum eucalyptus should not be planted near homes or other structures (Esser, 1993). In December 1972, the San Francisco Bay Area experienced a severe cold snap resulting in extensive frost damage to bluegum eucalyptus trees. Frost-killed leaves and twigs increased bluegum eucalyptus litter ten-fold. By early 1973, following a particularly hot dry summer and autumn, the litter combined with standing dead and damaged bluegums constituted a major fire hazard. Several fuel reduction methods such as mechanical removal of trees, thinning of present stands, and prescribed fire occurred. The first two alternatives are commonly applied now in freeze-killed or damaged stands. Limited in its use in California, prescribed burning has been widely applied to eucalyptus forests in Australia to reduce fuel loads and prevent wildfires. 3.1.3 Ecological Enhancement Although CWPPs often focus on actions needed within residential neighborhoods to reduce risks to life safety and property from wildfire, the development of this CWPP provides a strategic opportunity for the community to consider the ecological needs of the wildlands and open spaces. In fact, restoring the ecological resilience of a wildland vegetative area can be a very effective strategy for reducing the overall risk of wildfire to a community and its infrastructure. The open spaces or wildlands within and adjacent to Goleta are an important ecological resource for wildlife habitat as well as recreational enjoyment. 3.2 CLIMATE Under the Köppen-Geiger Climate Classification System (http://koeppen-geiger.vu- wien.ac.at/index.htm), Goleta sits in a dry-summer subtropical climate often referred to as “Mediterranean”, which is characterized by warm to hot, dry summers and mild to cool, wet winters. Snow occasionally falls on the mountains but rarely stays more than a few days. The long dry seasons typical of the Mediterranean climate ensures a prolonged fire season every year. 3.2.1 Climate Change Climate change is already affecting California with an increase in average temperatures, fewer cold nights, lengthening of the growing season, shifts in the water cycle with less winter precipitation falling as snow, both snowmelt and rainwater running off sooner in the year and drought conditions are likely to become more frequent and persistent over the 21st century. With California getting warmer, an increase in the frequency, intensity, and duration of heat waves and more extreme hot days are expected. The intensity of extreme weather events such as heat waves and droughts, create situations where wildfires will likely be seen as one of the earliest climate impacts that we experience (State of California SHMP 2010). These changes will certainly affect current water sources, the frequency and behavior of wildfires, and the timing and length of fire season throughout California including Santa Barbara County. 3.3 FIRE HISTORY Research has shown over the past 560 years, large fires have occurred in the Santa Barbara area on an average of every 20 to 30 years (Mensing et al. 1999); however, the frequency of fire occurrence has increased in recent years. Since the 1950s on average there has been one large fire per decade but in the last seven years, four have occurred (See Fire History Map, Figure 4).

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Figure 4 South Coast Wildfire History

The City of Goleta and neighboring communities along the South Coast of Santa Barbara County have a long history of destructive wildfires. Since 1953 Santa Barbara County has received three Presidential declarations of disaster due to wildfires, two of those occurred along the South Coast. One of the most destructive wildfires in the area occurred in 1990 when the Painted Cave Fire burned from Highway 154 near the community of Painted Cave downhill into the City of Santa Barbara and unincorporated areas. The fire killed one civilian and a large percentage of the almost 641 homes lost were destroyed within the first two hours of the fire’s ignition (Cohen, 2000). The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) still lists the 1990 Painted Cave Fire as number six out of twenty of the most destructive fires in California’s history in terms of structures lost (CAL FIRE, 2011). Another example of a destructive wildfire in the area is the 1977 Sycamore Canyon Fire, which burned just over 800 hundred acres within a seven-hour burning period destroying approximately 234 homes. Neither the Painted Cave nor the Sycamore Canyon Fires are considered very large in size and would likely be just a footnote in the area’s fire history except for the loss of one life and the number of homes and structures lost. The following table lists wildfires that have threatened and/or destroyed homes in Goleta and neighboring coastal communities from the 1950s to present day. Table 3 List of Historical Large Wildfires

Structures Lost Fire Name Month/Year Fire Size (approx reported # of Fatalities (approx. acres) homes, outbuildings, etc) Refugio Sept/1955 84,770 20 0 Coyote Sept/ 1964 65,339 106 1 Romero Oct/1971 15,650 4 4 Sycamore July/1977 805 195 0 Eagle Canyon June/1979 4,530 5 0 440 homes, 28 Painted Cave June/1990 4,900 apartments, 30 1 misc Gaviota June/2004 7,443 4 0 Gap July/2008 9,445 4 0 Tea Nov/2008 1,940 210 0 Jesusita May/2009 8,733 160 0

3.4 GOLETA’S WILDLAND FIRE ENVIRONMENT The interaction of fuels, topography, weather, and with the fire itself, affect the likelihood of a fire starting, the speed and direction at which a wildfire will travel, the intensity at which a wildfire burns, and a firefighter’s ability to control or extinguish it. This section will describe the wildland fire environment within and surrounding the City of Goleta. 3.4.1 Fuels Vegetation is the primary fuel source for wildfires and is the most important factor in determining fire hazard; however, it is important to recognize that many human-made sources of fuel such as structures

30 | P a g e City of Goleta C o m m u n i t y Wildfire Protection Plan can also contribute to the fire environment and significantly affect fire behavior. This section will focus on wildland vegetation as the fuel source. The land base within the City of Goleta is a mosaic of residential, commercial, agricultural, recreational, and industrial land uses of which approximately 16% is designated as open space. This open space consists of thirty-six city parks, private parks, and undeveloped areas that total approximately 530 acres. The largest of the open spaces include the Sperling Preserve, Santa Barbara Shores Park, and Lake Los Carneros Natural and Historical Preserve that account for almost 363 of those acres. The following table lists the vegetation or “fuels” in undeveloped areas directly adjacent to and within the City. Table 4 Fuels in Undeveloped Open Spaces and Wildland Areas

SPECIES DESCRIPTION This habitat has limited distribution within the City limits, restricted to scattered small patches, but dominates the steep dry slopes on the Santa Ynez Mountains above the City. There are two types of chaparral within or adjacent to the City – 1) Ceanothus chaparral is the most common type, dominated by Chaparral buckbrush or greenbark. Greenbark ceanothus is common on the cool rocky canyons. Buckbrush is more common on dry slopes. 2) Mixed chaparral includes a variety of plant species such as mountain mahogany, greenbark ceanothus, scrub oak, holly leaf redberry, buck brush, toyon, chaparral mallow, and chamise. This habitat consists of a low, dense to sparse scrub dominated by purple sage, Coastal Sage Scrub coyote brush, California sagebrush, goldenbush, morning glory, giant wild rye, and annual non-native grasses. This habitat type is dominated by coyote brush, a ubiquitous native shrub that Coyote Brush Shrub readily colonizes disturbed areas and is very drought resistant. Coyote brush shrub is dominated by coyote brush with a matrix of annual grasses. Non-native Annual A very common habitat type is dominated by widespread non-native annual Grassland grasses including Italian ryegrass, wild oats, common barley, and rip-gut brome. Purple needlegrass is the most common native grass and generally grows in Native Grassland relatively pure stands, occasionally intermixing with other native grass species, particularly meadow barley. This habitat consists of coast live oak trees and associated shrubs and perennials. The structure of oak woodland ranges from open savanna-like woodlands with scattered trees and a grassy understory to relatively dense woodland. Oak woodland typically occupies north-facing slopes, canyon Oak Woodland bottoms and along the outer edges of stream courses where soil is well developed and/or the site is relatively mesic. This vegetation type intergrades with chaparral on drier sites, grassland on sites with well developed soils and riparian woodland on wetter sites. Common understory plants include poison oak, coffeeberry, blackberry, stinging nettle, and toyon. Eucalyptus This habitat consists of monoculture of large non-native evergreen trees, Woodland primarily blue gum. A variety of small native perennial plants occur in the seasonally moist bottoms of creeks and drainages. In general, these species occur as scattered individuals, rather than in dense stands. They occur on sandbars and protected, Herbaceous Riparian moist portions of the channel bed with full or partial sunlight. Common species include mugwort, mulefat, arroyo willow, ricegrass, salt grass, and horehound. Non-native plants are also common, such as rabbitsfoot grass, periwinkle, curly dock, cocklebur, castor bean, horseweed, and white sweet.

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This habitat consists of dense monocultures of arroyo willow or mulefat. This habitat occurs in the channel bottom or lower banks where there is periodic Riparian Scrub inundation, but insufficient flows to remove the woody plants. The density and height of plants varies depending upon the amount of moisture and sunlight in the channel. The most common trees include willow (arroyo, sandbar, narrow leaf and red willow), western sycamore, and black cottonwood. Other less common trees include white alder, elderberry, and California bay. This habitat creates a tall Riparian Woodland closed canopy over narrow drainages. A highly variable shrub understory is present with such species as blackberry, poison oak, gooseberry, nightshade, and coyote brush. This habitat consists of mature trees that occur along the middle stream terraces, slope of banks, tops of banks, and floodplain of creeks. This habitat occurs on the floodplain adjacent to creeks where there are deep soils to support oak trees. It consists of a mixture of riparian woodland (see above) and coast live oak woodland. In closed canopy woodlands, the Oak Woodland- understory is dominated by shade tolerant shrubs and woody vines such as Riparian Woodland nightshade, poison oak, and blackberry; and by perennial herbs such as wood mint and fiesta flower. In openings in the canopy, common understory shrubs include California sagebrush and coyote brush. Vines such as wild cucumber, honeysuckle, and virgin’s bower often climb trees.

3.4.1.1 Fuel Characteristics The principal characteristics of fuels that affect fire behavior include fuel type, fuel moisture, amount of fuel or “fuel loading”, chemical properties, horizontal continuity, and vertical arrangement. Each of these characteristics contributes to one or more fire behavior processes. Understanding the fire behavior characteristics of wildland vegetation facilitates effective fuel treatment strategies on a local, as well as landscape level. 3.4.1.1.1 Fuel Types Fuel types within and adjacent to the City include grasses, shrubs/brush, timber litter and understory, and slash. Fuel types naturally change slowly over time; however, the potential for fire behavior can change drastically when fire is burning from one fuel type to another. 3.4.1.1.2 Fuel Moisture Fuel moisture is a very dynamic variable controlled by seasonal, daily, and immediate weather changes. The moisture of living and dead fuel is a critical component for influencing wildland fire behavior. Vegetation is more flammable when fuel moisture levels are low and less flammable when fuel moisture levels are high. The amount of moisture in a fuel will largely determine whether it will burn or not. Dead fuels act very much like a sponge absorbing the moisture content of air surrounding the fuel, which changes the amount of fuel moisture in dead fuels. The more moist the air the more moist the fuel, and conversely the more dry the air the more dry the dead fuel. Timelag is the time it takes for the moisture content to reach 63% of their Equilibrium Moisture Content with the surrounding environment. Timelag is expressed as a rate usually in hours (See Table 5).

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Table 5 Dead Fuel Moisture & Timelag Relationship to Fuel Size

Timelag Diameter of Fuel Examples (inches) 1-hour Less than ¼ Annual dead grass (i.e., cheatgrass) 10-hour ¼ to 1 Dead and down small branches and twigs 100-hour 1 to 3 Dead and down branches, logging slash 1,000-hour 3 to 8 Dead and down branches, logs, standing dead timber

Live fuel moisture is the moisture in living, growing vegetation. Live moisture is mostly controlled by internal physiological mechanisms rather than by external influences; although live fuels are affected by external influences over time such as normal seasonal drying and drought. Typically, live fuel moistures in the area are highest in the spring through early summer and at their lowest in late summer through winter. Locally, live fuel moisture sampling of chamise occurs every 2 weeks throughout fire season by the Los Padres National Forest at San Marcos Pass but transitions to monthly during the off-season. These samples can range as low as 53% to as high as over 187% (Los Padres NF Live Fuel Moisture Samples, accessed 2011). Live fuel moistures of 60% or below in chamise indicate a critical threshold to increased fire behavior in which these live fuels will burn as if they are dead fuels.

3.4.1.1.3 Fuel Loadings It is important to note that fuel is Fuel loadings vary greatly by fuel types. Generally, grassland areas may the only element produce fuel loadings of 1 to 5 tons per acre, while brush species such as in the fire environment that chaparral may produce 20 to 50 tons per acre, and timber 100 to 600 tons per fire managers can acre. Lighter fuels contribute to how fast a fire will ignite and how quickly it influence with an spreads. Heavy fuel loadings will result in a more intense fire. active fuels management 3.4.1.1.4 Chemical Properties program. Chemical properties include the presence of volatile substances such as oils, resins, wax, and pitch in the fuels, especially in chaparral and eucalyptus trees. As the summer progresses, an increase in ether extractives, oils, ash, or mineral content occurs resulting in increasing combustibility in various plant species (Philpot, Mutch, 1971). Ether extractives in many species can rise from 8.3 to 15% during the summer, making foliage more easily ignited (Philpot, 1969). An extractive content over 10% indicates high crowning potential (Philpot, Mutch, 1971). Eucalyptus adds another element of concern in that eucalyptus oil is highly flammable. On warm days, vaporized Eucalyptus oil rises above the bush to create the characteristic distant blue haze of the Australian landscape. The heat generated from the combustion of various eucalyptus species is similar to those of typical North American species; however, eucalyptus oil burns much hotter. The leaves of all eucalypt species contain some amount of volatile oils. In a study conducted by McArthur and Cheney (Whelan 1995), it was found that although eucalyptus wood does not burn particularly hot, the leaf oils burn nearly twice as hot as the wood (See Table 6).

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Table 6 Heat of Combustion for Various Fuels

Heat of Combustion Fuel Type (MJ/kg) Oak 19.33 Pine 21.28 Eucalyptus obliqua 19.23 E. capitellata 19.92 E. amygdalia 21.35 Pine sawdust 21.74 Pine pitch 35.13 Eucalyptus oil 37.20

3.4.1.1.5 Horizontal Continuity The horizontal continuity of fuels describes the uniformity or patchiness of fuels across the landscape, which affects the ability of a fire to spread. The fuelbed above Goleta is mostly continuous up to the Santa Ynez Ridgeline allowing fire to spread very quickly. Within the City of Goleta, the open spaces are isolated islands broken up by road systems and neighborhoods providing a discontinuous fuelbed. Wildfire cannot spread from one open space to another along the surface but can spread very quickly when burning embers from a wildfire in the wildland area above Goleta or from another open space are carried through the air by the smoke column and/or wind then dropped on to a receptive fuelbed (such as flammable vegetation, combustible roofs, etc). 3.4.1.1.6 Vertical Arrangement Vertically arranged fuels are those that can carry fire burning in grasses or low shrubs up through shorter shrubs and branches into the crowns or canopies of taller shrubs and trees called “ladder” fuels. This is a primary concern in eucalyptus groves in Sperling Preserve, Santa Barbara Shores, and Evergreen Park. 3.4.2 WEATHER Weather is the most variable element in the wildland fire environment and the least predictable. The components of weather, or more specifically fire weather, are temperature, relative humidity, precipitation, wind, and atmospheric stability that influence fire ignition, fire behavior, fire danger, and fire suppression. The warmest month of the year in Goleta is August with an average maximum temperature of 78.70 degrees Fahrenheit (F) and the most recent high record temperature was 109 degrees F in 1985 (at one time Goleta held the U.S. temperature record for many years of 133 degrees from a Sundowner wind event on June 17, 1859). The coldest month of the year is December with an average minimum temperature of 39.90 degrees F and the lowest cold temperature was 20 degrees F in 1990. The annual average precipitation at Goleta is 16.93-inches. Winter months tend to be wetter than summer months with February having the greatest rainfall averaging 4.28 Inches. The relative humidity can range from the single digits to 100%. Average winds at the Santa Barbara Airport, which is directly

34 | P a g e City of Goleta C o m m u n i t y Wildfire Protection Plan adjacent to Goleta, are approximately 5.7 miles per hour from the west-southwest. It is important to note that fire weather can occur at any time of the year in this Mediterranean Climate, therefore wildfires can occur at any time of the year. Sundowner winds are a significant weather pattern unique to the Goleta, Santa Barbara, and Montecito area. These winds often begin in the late afternoon or early evening and are usually associated with a rapid rise in temperature and decrease in relative humidity. Sundowner wind events are more common in the summer than the fall. The strongest Sundowner winds channel east of Santa Ynez Peak near San Marcos Pass down towards the Hollister and Turnpike area as well as Glen Annie Canyon, which all lead directly to down into the City of Goleta. Sundowner wind events can have sustained wind speeds of 50+ miles per hour with gusts reaching 70+ miles per hour. The combination of high temperatures, low relative humidities, high winds that occur in the area can and do create explosive conditions under which wildfires will react and burn. 3.4.3 TOPOGRAPHY Topography is the configuration of the earth’s surface including its relief and the position of its natural and human-made features. It is the most stable of the elements in the fire environment and plays an important role in how a fire will burn. Topography modifies general weather by channeling wind direction, induces slope and valley winds, creates thermal belts, produces orographic thunderstorms, and contributes to foehn or Sundowner winds. Factors of topography that affect fire behavior include slope, aspect, terrain or land features, and elevation. Of all of the topographic features, the steepness of slope is among the most influential on fire behavior. Goleta sits on an open low elevation alluvial coastal plain in the western Transverse Range along an east-trending segment of the California coastline. The coastal plain is relatively flat but includes gently rolling hills and mesas with a gradual rise in elevation from sea level to approximately 280 feet at the northwestern portion of the City just east of Ellwood Canyon Creek. Elevation and slope have minor roles in contributing to wildland fire behavior in the City of Goleta; however, slope is a significant factor north of the City where the Santa Ynez Mountains rise sharply to 2,600 feet. Slopes here can reach 100%. The City has a mostly southern aspect with some variation such as the edges of mesas, creeks, and drainages. A south aspect typically experiences longer periods of sunshine with higher temperatures, lower relative humidities, and light flashier fuels than a north aspect which contributes to fire spread; however, the coastal influence of this area helps maintain cooler temperatures, higher relative humidity, and the fuels tend to be heavier than areas without a coastal influence. Terrain or land configuration, such as ridges, mountain, narrow canyons, and steep drainages, affect the direction and speed of wind. Canyons and creeks dropping from the Santa Ynez Mountains down through the City of Goleta include Tecolate Creek, Winchester/Bell Creek, Ellwood Creek, El Encanto Creek/ Phelps Ditch, Devereux Creek, Glen Annie/Tecolotito Creek, Carneros Creek, San Pedro Creek, Las Vegas Creek, Maria Ygnacio Creek, and Atascadero Creek. These canyons and creeks are extremely steep and narrow above the City but shallow out as they meet the coastal plain. These north-south trending canyon form paths for the flow of air from Sundowner wind events that can increase wind speeds and may change the direction of fire spread.

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3.4.4 FIRE BEHAVIOR CHARACTERISTICS Fire behavior characteristics describe how a fire will burn, where it burns, how fast it moves, how much heat it releases, and how much fuel it consumes. The diversity of fuels and weather patterns in Goleta establishes a fire environment that will support a broad spectrum of fire behavior. The range of wildland fire behavior includes:  Ground fires burn in the organic material beneath the surface litter, such as layer of duff, roots, and buried or partially buried dead and decaying logs.  Surface fires burn in material above the ground including low vegetation such as grasses, low shrubs, small trees, and loose debris such as dead branches, leaves on the surface.  Crown fires burn in the tops of trees and tall shrubs or brush. Three types of crown fire can occur including passive, active, and independent.  Spotting occurs when firebrands are transported naturally by wind, convection, or gravity beyond the main perimeter of the fire in receptive fuels. Typically, the City of Goleta experiences more moderate conditions such as little to no wind, higher humidity, higher fuel moistures, and/or patchy or discontinuous fuels. Wildfire behavior during these conditions will likely include slow spreading ground and surface fires with possible torching of single trees that firefighters can easily control. However, severe conditions do periodically occur in Goleta such as Sundowner wind events. This brings a combination of low fuel moistures, abundant fuels, high temperatures, low relative humidities, and high winds creating conditions where a wildfire becomes explosive. Fire behavior observed on past wildfires in the area during these conditions include over 70-foot high flame lengths, fires spreading on the surface and in the crowns of shrubs and trees with speeds in excess of 2-miles an hour and spotting distances of up to ¾ of a mile. These explosive conditions have resulted in loss of life, loss of structures, loss of infrastructure, and loss of critical habitat.

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4. GOLETA: A COMMUNITY AT RISK

A key component of the 2000 National Fire Plan outlined a comprehensive strategy with a commitment to fund a continued level of hazardous fuel reduction and new funding for community assistance and a community protection initiative. An essential step to implement the new initiative was to identify communities at high risk of damage or destruction from wildfire. Congress directed the Secretaries of Agriculture and Interior to work with states and tribal governments to identify communities within the vicinity of federal lands that are at high risk from wildfire. 4.1 DESIGNATION AS A COMMUNITY AT RISK As a result of Healthy Forest Restoration Act, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) undertook the task to develop a list of “communities at risk” (CAR) and identify the level of fire threat to these communities for the State of California. CAL FIRE used three main factors to determine which communities were at risk and their level of fire threat, these factors include: 1) high fuel hazard, 2) probability of a fire, and 3) proximity of intermingled wildland fuels and urban environments that are near wildfire threats. The City of Goleta is one of 1,264 communities in California identified as a CAR and has a Hazard Level Code of “3” which indicates the highest fire threat level (CAL FIRE, 2001). The State Forester (CAL FIRE Director) has assigned the task of managing the list to the California Fire Alliance. The California Fire Alliance is a cooperative membership dedicated to the support of pre-fire principles and activities. Partnering agencies include the Bureau of Land Management; Cal Fire; USDA Forest Service; California Fire Safe Council; Bureau of Indian Affairs; Cal Emergency Management Agency; Los Angeles County Fire Department; National Park Service; and US Fish and Wildlife Service. More information is available at the California Fire Alliance website at www.cafirealliance.org. 4.2 GOLETA’S WILDLAND URBAN INTERFACE The City of Goleta has an interface, or clear line of demarcation, between neighborhoods and wildland fuels along roads or back fences, such as along the western portion of Cathedral Oaks, Rio Vista, Northgate, and Serenidad Place as examples (See WUI Map, Figure 5). These areas have high structure density where the distance between residences is narrow. In a high wind event, like a Sundowner wind, neighboring structures can become a significant ignition source and become a “fuel type” with the potential of spreading fire from structure to structure. The closer the structures are together, the easier it is for structures to ignite due to the radiant heat from the burning neighboring structure and, much like a tightly packed wildland fuel type, the structures can carry fire from one structure to another. The wildfire scenario affords little to no safe operational space for firefighters to protect structures. In addition, Goleta has numerous open spaces scattered throughout the City. These areas act as islands of wildland fuels where structures abut open spaces, some of which are undeveloped. The undeveloped open spaces such as Lake Los Carneros, Coronado Preserve, Santa Barbara Shores, sections of Evergreen Acres, and Stonebridge can pose a serious wildfire threat to homes and neighborhoods.

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Figure 5 City of Goleta Wildland Urban Interface

The combination of highly flammable fuels, local weather conditions, and structure ignitability all contribute to put homes, neighborhoods, infrastructure, and commercial businesses in Goleta at risk of significant losses due to wildfire. 4.3 NATURAL AND CULTURAL RESOURCE CONCERNS IN THE COMMUNITY The fact that Goleta is a “community at risk”, places highly valued natural and cultural elements in an extremely vulnerable position. Although the natural or wild landscape prevalent to many of these resources areas may be desirable in terms of visual or recreational aspects, in most cases this unmaintained setting contributes to the significant threat when exposed to wildfire. The ESHAs, Visual, Recreational, and Scenic Resources exemplify key natural resource elements. Generally, these areas pose high wildfire hazard issues primarily related to conditions and characteristics of the fuels and proximity to community structures. Goleta City policy statements (in the GP/CP) regarding each of these elements contain language that emphasizes the need to protect and or conserve these areas. Of the thirteen ESHAs in Chapter 2 of Goleta’s GP/CP, the following three are more likely to be negatively impacted in a wildfire situation due to their fuel type and location on the landscape (See most recent City of Goleta’s ESHA Map, Figure 1):  Coastal sage scrub and chaparral  Native woodlands and savannahs, including oak woodlands  Monarch butterfly aggregation sites and related habitat areas Visual and Scenic Resources are a significant valued natural resource that comprises this exceptional setting. The longevity of the natural areas depends on community member’s ability to provide for their protection over time. Since wildfire frequently occurs in the chaparral-covered mountains adjacent to Goleta, it is imperative that the community takes precautionary measures to protect the community’s natural resource. In many cases, their current condition is conducive to severe wildfire. Community cultural and historical resources are also a concern. Some of the primary cultural and historical sites in Goleta are preserved within the boundaries of designated undeveloped open spaces. Other historical structures or groups of structures are surrounded by a maintained park-like setting but outside the maintained zone is a large expanse of natural vegetation that will likely produce burning embers. The exterior construction material, design, and condition of these structures can make them particularly susceptible to damage and destruction in a wildfire event.

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5. WILDFIRE ASSESSMENT

This assessment utilizes potential fire behavior and historical fire occurrence to identify areas with the greatest hazard and highest risk. In addition, CAL FIRE’s existing fire hazard severity assessment is included as part of this assessment. It is important to note that the purpose of this assessment is not to determine the wildfire hazard or risk for individual parcels but to provide a basis for identifying and prioritizing potential mitigation strategies for the entire City. 5.1 CALIFORNIA FIRE HAZARD SEVERITY ZONES California state law mandated CAL FIRE to identify “fire hazard severity zones” throughout the State. These fire hazard severity zones are areas that have similar burn probabilities and fire behavior characteristics that result in damage to buildings (additional information can be found at http://frap.fire.ca.gov/projects/hazard/fhz.html). Figure 6 identifies areas directly adjacent to the City that include very high fire hazard severity zones. 5.2 HAZARD ASSESSMENT

Historically, and even today, the greatest threat to the City comes from the Wildfire hazard is a fuel Los Padres National Forest and SRA land on the Santa Ynez Mountains complex, defined by above the City. This threat stretches west from the Gaviota area along the volume, type condition, mountain range east towards Cathedral Peak. Heavy chaparral vegetation, arrangement, and continuous fuels, hot and dry weather with Sundowner winds, difficult and location that determines the degree of ease of steep terrain, and limited access for firefighters can combine to create ignition and of extremely hazardous conditions; however, the focus areas for this resistance to control. assessment are the open spaces within the City of Goleta where the City has jurisdictional authority to act. Since much of the City was not included in the California fire hazard severity model, well-established fire models were used in an attempt to fill in the blanks. Models used in the assessment include FlamMap (Version 3.0), Behave Plus 5.0.4 (Build 305), Standard Fire Behavior Fuel Models: A Comprehensive Set for Use with Rothermel’s Surface Fire Spread Model, and Fire Family Plus (Version 4). These widely used and accepted mathematical fire models are tools used by land and fire managers across the world. Wildland fire professionals using these tools can successfully apply the outputs to a range of wildfire activities including wildfire behavior prediction, wildfire assessments, and the development of mitigation strategies. Existing and available data used in these models came from a variety of sources including federal, state, and local agencies. Significant gaps in existing data would not allow us to complete a spatial assessment of the entire City. Other non-spatial fire models provided valid outputs to fill in these gaps. 5.2.1 FlamMap FlamMap is a spatial fire behavior mapping and analysis program that requires data including elevation, slope, aspect, surface fuel model, canopy cover, fuel moisture, and weather data.

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Figure 6 CALFIRE FIRE Hazard Severity Zones

The outputs from FlamMap provide a reasonable representation of surface fire behavior across the landscape. Output values approximate fire behavior interpreted relative to each other and not as absolute predictor of fire behavior. Fire professionals utilized previously observed fire behavior and field visits to the area in order to calibrate FlamMap inputs and validate the outputs. Additional information on methodology and specific inputs used for FlamMap are available in Appendix C. 5.2.2 Behave Plus This model is the most commonly used program for predicting fire behavior. Behave Plus predicts surface fire characteristics in one-dimension and produces tables, graphs, and simple diagrams for multiple fire management applications. Fire professionals utilizing previously observed fire behavior in the area validated the outputs from Behave Plus. Additional information on methodology and specific inputs used for Behave Plus are available in Appendix C. 5.2.3 Fire Family Plus Fire Family Plus (Version 4) is a fire climatology and occurrence program that combines the functionality of various weather and climate programs into a single package with a graphical user interface. It allowed fire professionals to summarize and analyze weather observations for use in FlamMap and Behave Plus. Additional information on methodology used for Fire Family Plus is available in Appendix C. 5.2.4 Data Sources for Models Much of the data used for modeling came from the Wildland Fire Decision Support System (WFDSS). WFDSS is a National product that supports wildfire planning at the landscape level and produces a nationally comprehensive, consistent, scientifically credible suite of spatial data layers for the entire United States. Data products consist of over fifty spatial data layers in the form of maps and other data that support a range of land management related analysis and modeling. For the purpose of this assessment elevation, slope, aspect, surface fuel model, and canopy cover data from WFDSS was utilized. 5.2.4.1 Wildland Fuel Models A wildland fuel model is a standardized simulated vegetative fuel complex that specifies all fuel descriptors required for the solution of a mathematical fire spread model. Fuel models characterize distinct distributions of fuel loading found among surface fuel components, size classes, and fuel types. The fire behavior modeling associated with the CWPP analysis utilized Scott and Burgan’s Standard Fire Behavior Fuel Model (FBFM) classification system, which describes the composition and characteristics of both surface and canopy fuels (Scott, J.H., Burgan, R.E., 2005). A major challenge in wildfire assessments is accurate mapping of fuels in order to determine spatial fire hazard and plan mitigation efforts. The WFDSS fuels layer represents best available data for the City. WFDSS fuel models used in the fire behavior modeling and found within the corporate boundary of the City are summarized in Table 7 and Figure 7). The 30-meter resolution of the fuels data used in WFDSS does not capture the level of detail needed for assessing small areas such as some of the City’s open spaces. In addition, many open spaces across the City had no fuels data or were incorrectly characterized as “Urban/Unburnable” or

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Figure 7 Fuel Models within Goleta

“Agricultural/Unburnable”. Where possible, discrepancies within the fuels layer were corrected prior to fire modeling. The fuel models used include: Table 7 Fire Behavior Fuel Models within Goleta

Fire Behavior Fuel Type Fuel Description Fuel Model Land covered by urban and suburban development. Will not support wildland fire spread. In some cases, areas mapped as 91 may experience structural fire losses during a wildland fire incident; however, structure ignition in those cases is Urban/Develop 91 either house-to-house or by firebrands, neither of which is Unburnable directly modeled using fire behavior fuel models. If sufficient fuel vegetation surrounds structures such that wildland fire spread is possible, then choose a fuel model appropriate for the wildland vegetation rather than 91. Agricultural land maintained in a nonburnable condition; examples include irrigated annual crops, mowed or tilled orchards, and so forth. However, many agricultural areas are Agriculture/ 93 not kept in a nonburnable condition. For example, grass is Unburnable often allowed to grow beneath vines or orchard trees, and wheat or similar crops are allowed to cure before harvest; in those cases use a fuel model other than 93. Open Water/ Land covered by open bodies of water such as lakes, rivers 98 Unburnable and oceans comprises 98. Land devoid of enough fuel to support wildland fire spread is Bare Ground/ covered by fuel model 99. Such areas may include gravel 99 Unburnable pits, arid deserts with little vegetation, sand dunes, rock outcroppings, beaches, and so forth. Continuous, dry-climate grass. Load and depth are greater than 102; fuelbed depth is about 2 feet. Moderately coarse 104 Grass continuous grass, average depth about 2 feet. Spread rate very high; flame length high. Grass and shrubs combined. Shrubs are about 1 foot high, Grass/Shrub grass load is low. Spread rate is moderate; flame length low. 121 Mix Moisture of extinction is low. Shrubs are about 1 foot high, low grass load. Spread rate moderate; flame length low. Grass and shrubs combined. Shrubs are 1 to 3 feet high, grass load is moderate. Spread rate is high; flame length Grass/Shrub 122 moderate. Moisture of extinction is low. Shrubs are 1 to 3 feet Mix high, moderate grass load. Spread rate high; flame length moderate. Low shrub fuel load, fuelbed depth about 1 foot; some grass 141 Shrub may be present. Spread rate very low; flame length very low. Moderate fuel load (higher than SH1), depth about 1 foot, no 142 Shrub grass fuel present. Spread rate low; flame length low. Heavy shrub load, depth 4 to 6 feet. Spread rate very high; 145 Shrub flame length very high. Very heavy shrub load, depth 4 to 6 feet. Spread rate lower 147 Shrub than SH5, but flame length similar. Spread rate high; flame length very high. Timber Broadleaf (hardwood) litter. Low load, compact. Spread rate 162 Understory very low; flame length very low. Heavy forest litter with a shrub or small tree understory. Timber 165 Spread rate is moderate; flame length moderate. Fuel bed is Understory high load conifer litter with shrub understory

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Compact forest litter. Light to moderate load, fuels 1 to 2 inches deep. May be used to represent a recently burned 181 Timber Litter forest. Spread rate is very low; flame length very low. Light to moderate load, fuels 1 to 2 inches deep. Spread rate very low; flame length very low. Moderate load conifer litter, light load of coarse fuels. Spread 183 Timber Litter rate is very low; flame length low. Moderate load conifer litter Moderate load of fine litter and coarse fuels. Includes small 184 Timber Litter diameter downed logs. Spread rate is low; flame length low. Moderate load, includes small diameter downed logs Moderate load long-needle pine litter, may include small 188 Timber Litter amount of herbaceous load. Spread rate is moderate; flame length low. (Taken from Scott, R and Burgan, R, Standard Fire Behavior Fuel Models: A Comprehensive Set for Use with Rothermel’s Surface Fire Spread Model)

5.2.4.2 Weather Data Available historical weather data came from a local Remote Automated Weather Station (RAWS) in Montecito, which has continuous weather records dating back to 1996. Glen Annie RAWS was not used in the weather analysis due to the limited range of available data from this location. Fire Family Plus evaluated the datas based at the height of the wildfire season, June 1 through November 15. Weather and fuel moisture data from the Montecito RAWS were utilized as inputs for FlamMap and Behave Plus. Additional information on methodology used for Fire Family Plus are in Appendix C. 5.3 HAZARD ASSESSMENT RESULTS The results from FlamMap show areas with flame lengths in excess of 11 feet, indicating an extreme fire hazard. These areas are predominately associated with the eucalyptus groves. FlamMap only captures the surface fire conditions within the groves and the actual flame lengths observed should a crown fire occur in the groves would greatly exceed 11 feet. These extreme hazard areas have fireline intensities predicted in excess of 1,000⁰F. Wildfires burning at this intensity are difficult to control, and are extremely hazardous to the life safety of the public and firefighters. Values, such as structures, infrastructure, and natural resources, impacted by wildfires burning at these intensities are at significant risk of loss (See Wildfire Hazards and Risks Map, Figure 8). Large portions of the City show no flame activity based on outputs from FlamMap. These areas therefore appear not to be at risk from a wildfire; however, this is not an appropriate interpretation of the model outputs. Areas without flame activity are classified as an “Unburnable” fuel type in the data used to analyze wildfire activity. The fuels data used generalizes the surface fuel characteristics within a 30 meter by 30 meter pixel. Areas with urban development, lawns, roads, parking lots or other paved areas receive the “Unburnable” classification. This is also true for agricultural lands. The fuels data layer is not robust enough to capture flammable landscape vegetation, flammable roofs or agriculture lands with burnable fuels under canopies of orchards. Therefore, during modeling these areas will not support combustion, while there is evidence as recent as the 2009 Jesusita Fire indicating that under severe weather conditions wildfire has the potential to spread in these “unburnable” fuels. This burning characteristic is generally associated with embers igniting flammable landscape vegetation, roofs or agricultural debris such as orchards. Often these “spot fires” develop well away from the main fire.

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Figure 8 Wildfire Hazards and Risks

In FlamMap, crown fire potential is affected by the amount of biomass in the canopy of the trees and/or tall shrubs or brush, spacing of the canopy, and the height of the base of the canopy from the ground. Outputs from FlamMap provide an estimation of crown fire potential for passive crown fire (single trees) and active crown fire (groups of multiple trees). The model spatially indicates where crown fire is expected to occur. FlamMap does not model the potential for independent crown fire. For the purpose of this plan, crown fire potential is limited to areas with stands of trees such as eucalyptus and pine trees (See Crown Fire Potential Map, Figure 9). Flame lengths and crown fire activity outputs were calibrated using observed fire behavior from recent wildfires in the area. The value of recorded observations and predicted fire behavior is important to the development of fuel treatment and fire suppression strategies and tactics, particularly in terms of the difficulty of control and effectiveness of suppression resources. 5.4 RISK ASSESSMENT

The risk of an ignition is variable with the potential for fires to occur from For the purpose of this many types of ignition sources including natural and human activities plan, risk is the (accidental, deliberate, or undetermined). The assessment of historical and likelihood of an ignition potential fire occurrences are important to gain a better understanding of occurring and is primarily based on ignition potential, the prioritizing of fuel treatments, and the development of historical fire ignitions in prevention strategies. The development of a wildfire risk assessment is the area. essential to understanding the potential threats of wildfire within the community. Pre-2007 historic fire occurrence data for Santa Barbara County is limited to data available from CAL FIRE; however, this data only met specific criteria sought by CAL FIRE at that time and does not reflect actual fire occurrence in the County. In 2007, SBCFD began collecting all data related to fire occurrence reported in the County. For the purpose of this assessment, all fire occurrence data was combined, recognizing that the numbers of fires prior to 2007 were likely significantly greater than what is available. Below displays the number of fire occurrences by cause from 1998 – 2009 (this data was taken from the CAL FIRE website - http://cdfdata.fire.ca.gov/incidents/incidents_statsevents; 2010 is not yet available) that the highest risk of fire occurrence comes from human activity. A mixture of miscellaneous, vehicle fires, fires with unknown origin and equipment use make up the bulk of the ignition sources.

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Figure 9 Crown Fire Potential

Santa Barbara County Fire Occurrence by Cause 1998-2009 Lightning, Campfire, Smoking, Debris 17 18 13 Burn, 57 Arson, 29

Equip Use, 256 Misc/Veh/ Unk, 673

Railroad, 1

Playing w/Fire, 51 Elect/Pow er, 26

The Wildfire Hazard and Risk Map, Figure 8 shows heavy concentrations of fire occurrence along Highway 101 at the Fairview Avenue interchange and in the Sperling Preserve. The Highway 101/Fairview Avenue interchange has high vehicle traffic so the risk is high; however, the hazard potential is low due to several factors including:  Fuel types – a maintained mix of annual grasses and discontinuous stands of shrubs and trees – resistance to control is minimal  Short response times to the area due to the proximity to SBCFD fire stations  The area is surrounded by multiple barriers such as Highway 101, Fairview Avenue, and paved parking lots Sperling Preserve is an undeveloped open space, which includes areas with flame lengths exceeding 11-feet. These flame lengths indicate that crowning, spotting, and significant fire spread is common and that control efforts at the flaming front of a fire would be ineffective (See Table 8). This extreme hazard, coupled with a concentration of fire occurrence, indicates that there is a significant threat to life safety, structures, infrastructure, and natural resources such as sensitive species habitat from Sperling Preserve. The Fire Suppression Interpretation Table (Table 8) is a guideline used by firefighters to measure the safety and potential effectiveness of various fireline resources based on a visual assessment of active flame length.

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Table 8 Fire Suppression Interpretation Table

Flame Fireline Length Intensity Interpretations (BTU/feet/ (feet) second) Fires can generally be attacked at the head or flanks by persons using 0–4 0–100 hand tools. Handline should hold the fire. Fires are too intense for direct attack on the head by persons using 4–8 100–500 hand tools. Handline cannot be relied on to hold fire. Equipment such as dozers, engines, and retardant aircraft can be effective. Fires may present serious control problems—torching out, crowning, 8–11 500–1,000 and spotting. Control efforts at the head of the fire will probably be ineffective. Crowning, spotting, and major runs are common. Control efforts at the 11+ 1,000+ head of the fire are ineffective. 1 Caution: These are not guides to personal safety; fires can be dangerous at any level of intensity; Wilson (1977) has shown that most fatalities occur in light fuels on small fires or isolated sections of large fires. Source: NWCG Fireline Handbook, Appendix B Fire Behavior, April 2006.

The value of predicted fire behavior is important to the development of fire suppression strategies and tactics, particularly in terms of the difficulty of control and effectiveness of suppression resources, and the development of fuel treatment strategies. This assessment is intended to help define locations within the area that are higher priority for mitigation work but can also provide potential targeted prevention efforts through outreach, education and enforcement, which can minimize exposure to wildfires and therefore a threat to the community. 5.5 STRUCTURE VULNERABILITY The 1990 Painted Cave Fire destroyed 440 homes, 28 apartments, 30 miscellaneous structures, and damaged an additional 66 structures. This fire was one of the first WUI fires studied for causes of structure loss. The detailed analysis was part of the “Defensible Space Factor Study”, which revealed that houses with wood roofs had only a 20% survival rate, while those with non-wood roofing materials had a 70% survival rate (Foote, 1991). Apart from the effect of roofing material, structures that had at least 30 feet of vegetation clearance and readily available defensible space where defensive action occurred saw a 99% survival rate. There was a 90% survival rate even when defensive action by firefighters did not occur (Foote, 1991). Research has shown repeatedly that the primary reason for structure loss is due to the ignitability of the structure itself. In some situations, a low intensity fire can destroy structures that are highly ignitable while structures with low ignitibility can survive high intensity fires (Cohen, 2000). A structure’s characteristics (exterior construction material and design) and the heat sources within 100-200 feet dictate whether a structure will survive a wildfire, even a high intensity crown fire (Cohen 1995; Cohen 2000; Cohen, J., Butler, B., 1998). The risk of a structure’s ignition is a direct result of exposure by wildfire from radiation, convection, and/or burning embers and the vulnerability or ignitability of the structure. Structures ignite in three ways:

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 Convection: It’s the transfer of energy within fluids such as air. Convective heat rises vertically – visually observed as flames and smoke columns. Flames can overwhelm a structure by direct flame impingement, which is a result of no defensible space.  Radiation: Works much in the same way as a radiator heating a room in the wintertime. Flammable objects within 100-feet get so hot that they provide sufficient heat for a structure to ignite. The potential for ignition is greatly reduced as space between wildland and urban fuels is increased.  Burning Embers: It’s burning material (i.e. wood shingles, tree bark, leaves, etc) that detach from the main fire front during strong convection drafts and/or winds in the burning zone. Hundreds to thousands of burning embers can be carried long distances by winds associated with the wildfire then landing on receptive fuels. Three Forms of Structure Ignition (from www.firewise.com)

Defensible space is the space between a structure and the wildland area or neighboring structures that, under normal conditions, creates a sufficient buffer to slow or halt the spread of a wildfire to a structure. Defensible space protects a structure from direct flame impingement, radiant heat, and some burning embers and is essential for structure survivability during wildfires. The most vulnerable parts of a structure that can lead to loss or damage in a wildfire include:  Roofing - This has been the key factor in most fires. It's not just the type of roofing material, but also some of the construction details, the condition of the material, and whether the roof is clear of burnable material (such as pine needles and other debris)  Garages - They are typically not well sealed so gaps at the top, bottom and edges of doors can allow burning embers to enter, often times garages contain flammable materials. Garages usually have vents at various locations, especially if they contain gas furnaces or hot water heaters. These vents are easy entry points for embers.  Siding - Flammable siding can provide a pathway for flames to reach vulnerable portions of a structure such as the eaves or windows. Siding needs a source of ignition, which in many cases includes vegetation in close proximity to a structure, wood decks and/or fences, or stacked firewood or other flammable material.  Vents - Soffit vents in the eaves are an easy entry point for wind-driven embers during a fire. These fires often start in an attic fire, which is not easy to detect from the outside. Structures have been lost when fire personnel have left the scene unaware that a fire is burning within the attic.  Windows - Unprotected and inadequate windows can be another major entry point for fire. Windows can be broken by airborne materials or cracked by thermal expansion during a wildfire

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and igniting materials in the structure through radiation, convection, and/or burning embers entering a structure.  Nooks and crannies - Little grooves, inside corners, and roof valleys all become areas where flammable debris (such as pine needles and bird’s nests) have collected over time and burning embers can land igniting the debris.  Crawlspace Vents - These areas, not just under a structure, but under decks and other attachments, are difficult to protect if they are not adequately screened. Much like vents in the attic burning embers can be carried to flammable material underneath a structure.  Wood Fences – Firefighters have observed that wood fences, when ignited; act as a fuel source that carries fire closer to a structure. Many fences are either attached to home or close enough to present a problem.  Wood Decks - Act as a source of fuel that is attached or directly adjacent to structures. When ignited by wildfire the radiant and convective heat output can ignite structures. In addition, most decks are adjacent to large windows or glass sliders. The heat from the deck fire can cause the glass to fail allowing the wildfire to enter a structure.  Flammable landscape vegetation and/or flammable items such as wood or flammable debris piled in close proximity to the house. As a result, structures are exposed to significant radiant and convective heat and burning embers making structures more susceptible to ignition. 5.5.1 Potential Losses to Goleta from Wildfire The actual extent and magnitude of vulnerable structures in Goleta is unknown since data does not exist. Cursory field trips through neighborhoods show that a high percentage of structures have asphalt, ceramic tile, or clay tile roofs. Several homes with wood shingle roofs were observed but it is unknown whether the wood shingles were treated or untreated - although visually their condition looked poor. Historic structures, such as the Stow House, have wood shingle roofs and are likely susceptible to loss in even a moderate wildfire event especially from burning embers which can reach distances of ¾ of a mile in the area.

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6. CITY OF GOLETA - ACTION PLAN

Based on the fire environment and fire history of the area it is clear that wildfires are inevitable; however, we don't have to accept the catastrophic loss of life, homes, infrastructure, businesses, and cultural and natural resources in the community. Since the question is not “if’ but “when” wildfires will occur, a strategy to reduce the wildfire threat to the City’s values must be developed. Equipped with the wildfire assessments from Chapter 5, the next step is to develop appropriate actions to mitigate the hazards and risks thereby reducing the wildfire threat to the City’s values. It is important to note that despite our best efforts, the occurrence of wildfires will continue and threaten the values that the City wants to protect. Whether these wildfires are catastrophic or not depends on the efforts of all stakeholders – citizens, local organizations, businesses, City Staff and officials along with county, state, and federal agencies. 6.1 COMMUNITY PREPAREDNESS Community preparedness is the ability of communities to prepare for, withstand, and recover from wildfire. Current land use planning, zoning regulations, and municipal codes adopted by State of California, Santa Barbara County and the City provide the regulatory basis for preparedness but these alone will not protect Goleta’s values – preparedness requires participation by all stakeholders, at all levels. 6.1.1 City of Goleta Programs The City has implemented several programs to prepare the community. These include: 6.1.1.1 Goleta City Alert In the summer of 2008, the City of Goleta implemented a state-of-the-art automated notification system designed to provide emergency and non-emergency information to residents and businesses. This web-based system contacts City residents and businesses quickly and efficiently via landline (home or business phone), cell phone, PDA, and e-mail address that records and sends personalized messages in minutes. The system can notify businesses and residents of emergency incidents such as a fire or robbery, urgent non-emergency incidents such as power outage and road closure, as well as for community outreach. It is capable of sending 2 million 60-second voice messages, the system can send hundreds of thousands of emails and text messages in an hour. For more information and to register go to www.cityofgoleta.org/index.aspx?page=107, click the Connect-CTY icon. 6.1.1.2 Goleta Partnership for Preparedness The Goleta Partnership for Preparedness (GP4P) is an alliance with the City of Goleta, the Goleta Valley Chamber of Commerce, and the American Red Cross - Santa Barbara County Chapter that started in 2007. These agencies collaborated to develop a partnership in community disaster education and disaster response training to address the disaster preparedness needs of all members of the Goleta community. GP4P’s mission is to encourage the community - both residents and businesses - to be prepared in the event of an emergency through outreach, education, workshops and a strong community presence.

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6.1.1.3 Goleta Prepare Now! GP4P launched "Goleta Prepare Now” in 2009, a two year initiative that provides important disaster preparedness information to every Goleta resident. This two-year program was made possible by a grant through the Aware and Prepare Initiative (for more information on the initiative please visit www.orfaleafoundations.org/go/our-initiatives/aware-prepare). As of 2009 GP4P has provided presentations and community workshops on disaster preparedness, held emergency backpack giveaways for low-income individuals and families, and created a Community Emergency Response Training (CERT) program. 6.1.1.4 Community Emergency Response Team The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) began in 1985 to train civilians to meet their own immediate needs following a disaster. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recognizes the importance of preparing citizens and the Emergency Management Institute (EMI) and the National Fire Academy adopted and expanded the CERT materials believing them applicable to all hazards. Since 1993 when this training was made available nationally by FEMA, communities in 28 States and Puerto Rico have conducted CERT training. A community can supplement its response capability after a disaster with civilians who can be auxiliary responders. The City of Goleta, through its “Goleta Prepare Now” program offers free CERT training to residents within the City of Goleta. The CERT training program prepares community members to take a more active role in emergency preparedness and in the event of a catastrophic disaster. They train to work as part of a neighborhood or workplace response teams in the event of a major disaster, when emergency services may not be available and when residents may have to rely on each other for life- saving and life-sustaining needs. This training covers basic skills in disaster preparedness, fire safety, disaster medical operations, light search and rescue operations, CERT organization, disaster psychology, terrorism and CERT, and an evaluation and disaster simulation. Additional information on all of the above programs in English and Spanish is available at:  Goleta Prepare Now/Goleta Prepárese Hoy - www.goletapreparenow.org.  Goleta Prepare Now Initiative - www.cityofgoleta.org/index.aspx?page=971  Goleta CERT Program - www.citizencorps.gov/cc/showCert.do?cert&id=42097 6.1.1.5 Emergency Preparedness Program The Redevelopment, Neighborhood Services and Public Safety Department provides oversight of the City’s Emergency Preparedness Program. This program’s proactive approach to emergency preparedness includes staff and funding with the purpose of ensuring NIMS compliance, development and management of the City’s Emergency Operating Program, and ensuring a coordinated and comprehensive response to any emergency within or adjacent to our jurisdiction. 6.1.2 Santa Barbara County Fire Department In addition to the fire protection activities in Section 2.3, SBCFD has other programs to assist in community planning and preparedness, including:

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6.1.2.1 PRC 4291 Implementation The SBCFD sends notices to owners of properties in the City to abate fire hazards that potentially pose a fire hazard along with public education efforts through media outlets such as local television stations and newspapers. Property owners have approximately three weeks to meet the requirements for clearing property outlined in the notice for their property. A misdemeanor citation is issued to all property owners that do not comply by the compliance date. Issuance of a misdemeanor citation may require an appearance in court. If for any reason the County Fire Department is forced to abate a fire hazard, the owner will pay all costs involved, which will be added to the taxes assessed against the property. Current regulations allow an insurance company to require additional clearance. The area to be treated does not extend beyond a property line. Additional information is available at www.sbcfire.com/fp/hrp.html. 6.1.2.2 Red Flag Warning Plan A Red Flag Warning means that the combinations of terrain, weather and fuel moisture are at hazardous levels and could lead to rapid or dramatic increases in wildfire activity. The Red Flag Warning Plan utilizes available SBCFD personnel, cooperating fire agencies, citizen groups, and the news media to inform the public of high fire danger, the potential for a major wildfire, and the need to be aware of and exercise fire safe practices during these periods. Additional information is available at http://www.sbcfire.com/sbcfdrfaz/RedFlag.pdf. 6.1.2.3 Mobile Data Computer/Automatic Vehicle Locator Program SBCFD utilizes Mobile Data Computers (MDC) in conjunction with the Automatic Vehicle Locator (AVL) system to locate and dispatch the closest available resources available for immediate dispatch to incidents. The installation of hardware on fire department vehicles aid in the management of fire resources in the field and provides emergency responders with up to date information. 6.1.2.4 Public Education SBCFD’s “Ready, Set, Go” program is an important educational tool found on their website www.sbcfire.com. This program was developed in May of 2009 as a new approach for educating Southern California residents on the year-round threat of wildfire. This educational program seeks to gain public involvement in reducing life and property loss caused by wildfires. The fire department provides a myriad of information and programs related to wildland fire safety, including:  “Wildland Safety” program which provides a comprehensive list of life and safety information regarding measures that can be taken to provide home defensible space tactics as well as some basic preemptive survival measures (http://www.sbcfire.com/fp/education/wildland_safety.pdf).  The “Fire Safety” education program is offered throughout the county school system and is generally scheduled annually in the spring. If a schoolteacher or program manager wants to request help with an educational program during another time-period, they are encouraged to contact the fire department public education department two to three weeks in advance.  “Fire Prevention” on the Fire Department’s home page provides multiple links for information and tools to help with wildfire prevention education and actions including “Living with Fire” and

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“Defensible Space and Hazard Reduction Pages”. These links provide excellent information to assist a homeowner’s in preparing their homes for wildfire. Other helpful links from the SBCFD website includes:  National Fire Protection Association (www.nfpa.org) – This site contains information on an educational program ‘Risk Watch’ for children ages 14 and under. Risk Watch is a school-based curriculum that links teachers with community safety experts and parents. The curriculum is divided into four age-appropriate teaching modules.  Federal Emergency Management Agency and the U.S. Fire Administration (www.usfa.dhs.gov/citizens) - Contains a full suite of awareness and educational information for all fire types, their inherent hazards and preventative actions.  Sparky (www.sparky.org) – This link brings up a fun, interactive cartoon type learning program for kids. There are countless other sources on the world-wide web, accessing a whole myriad of educational tools and reference material on potential wildland fire impacts in communities or WUI. The knowledge gained from this information can guide a homeowner on basic yet essential safety measures that could save lives, property and resources. Recommended groups or forums include:  Fire Safe Council - www.firesafecouncil.org  California Fire Alliance - hwww.cafirealliance.org  FireWise - www.firewisesa.org.za/index.php 6.1.3 Santa Barbara County Office of Emergency Services (SBC OES) SBC OES is a department within the County Executive Office, and is responsible for emergency planning and coordination for the Santa Barbara Operational Area. OES is responsible for emergency planning and coordination among the Santa Barbara Operational Area entities, which include: Cities: Buellton, Carpinteria, Goleta, Guadalupe, Lompoc, Santa Barbara, Santa Maria, Solvang Special Districts: Air Pollution Control District, Fire Districts, Sanitary Districts, School Districts, Vector Control Districts, and Water Districts  Volunteer Organizations: American Red Cross, Amateur Radio Emergency Services (ARES), Equine Evacuation, and Montecito Emergency Response & Recovery Action Group (MERRAG), Volunteer Organizations Active in Disasters (VOAD)  Industry Groups: CAER-Community Awareness and Emergency Response, Petroleum industry mutual aid group, SBIA-Santa Barbara Industrial Association.  Tri-County Coordination: Santa Barbara County OES also coordinates with adjoining offices of emergency services in Ventura and San Luis Obispo Counties. The Tri-County Coordinators meet and discuss regional preparedness several times throughout the year. SBC OES responsibilities include:  Maintain the Santa Barbara County Operational Area Multi-Hazard Functional Plan.  Maintain the County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) in a state of operational readiness.  Maintain a trained cadre of EOC team members.

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 Provide ongoing leadership and coordinate disaster plans and exercises with the eight cities throughout the County.  Assist County departments in developing department emergency plans, which address how they will perform during disasters.  Assist County departments with development of facility emergency plans for every occupied County facility.  Provide ongoing training for County department emergency coordinators.  Participate in an ever-expanding public education campaign for all hazards through the Earthquake Survival Program (ESP), public venues and various media presentations. Additional information is available at http://www.countyofsb.org/ceo/oes.aspx?id=376. 6.1.3.1 Radio Ready The Santa Barbara County OES, the Orfalea Fund’s Aware and Prepare Initiative, and California Concern, a local citizen group, have partnered with designated local radio stations to create Radio Ready, a system that connects the release of timely information from the OES to the radio-listening public. Information is available at http://www.sbcfire.com/dp/radio_ready.pdf. 6.1.4 Santa Barbara Fire Safe Council The Santa Barbara County Fire Safe Council is a non-profit community organization formed in 1997. Their by-laws include a mission statement: “To unify public and private organizations to educate, motivate and coordinate Santa Barbara County communities to minimize the losses associated with wildfire”. The Santa Barbara County Fire Safe Council and the community provides education, evacuation planning, community vegetation management projects, fund raising, and neighborhood assistance. For additional information, contact them at 805-969-2983. Additional information on Fire Safe Councils is available at www.firesafecouncil.org/index.cfm. 6.1.5 Santa Barbara County Community Awareness and Emergency Response (CAER) Since its inception in 1991, Santa Barbara CAER has grown into an "all-risk" mitigation organization. CAER's original charter centered around the proper handling, storage, and disposal of hazardous materials and waste. CAER's members understand that the same steps used to mitigate the hazards associated with such materials and waste can also be applied to the mitigation of hazards from earthquake, fire, flooding, civil unrest, workplace violence, and any other foreseeable incidents or emergencies (Additional information is available at http://www.sbcaer.org). Even though the scope of CAER has grown to encompass more than just hazardous materials and waste management, the original CAER charter still applies:  Community Awareness and education  Emergency planning, preparedness, and response 6.1.6 Red Cross The American Red Cross, a humanitarian organization led by volunteers and guided by its Congressional Charter and the Fundamental Principles of the International Red Cross Movement. The Red Cross will provide relief to victims of disasters and help people prevent, prepare for, and respond

53 | P a g e City of Goleta C o m m u n i t y Wildfire Protection Plan to emergencies. The vision of the American Red Cross, Santa Barbara County Chapter is to provide relief to victims of disasters and help people prevent, prepare for, and respond to emergencies. The Red Cross is not a governmental agency, and relies on community donations of time and money to do its work. The Santa Barbara County Chapter, founded in 1892, responds to an emergency serving more than 407,000 Santa Barbara County residents throughout the entire county. The Santa Barbara County Chapter has responded to many natural and man-made disasters including the Zaca, Gap, Tea, and Jesusita Fires. The Red Cross provides a number of preparedness training for a range of disasters, first aid and disaster supply kits, and disaster relief with a focus on meeting people's immediate emergency disaster-caused needs by providing shelter, food, and health and mental health services. For additional information, visit their website at www.sbredcross.org/index.asp?IDCapitulo=0O5561PWP7. 6.2 PROTECTING VALUES During a WUI fire, the protection of human life safety for both firefighters and civilians is the first priority with property (i.e. homes, businesses, historic sites, infrastructure, etc) and resource values secondary. Many citizens incorrectly assume that there will be a fire truck available to protect their homes or structures during a WUI fire; however, with the thousands of structures in Goleta there are simply not enough fire personnel or fire equipment to defend each structure or value. Often in extreme wildfire situations, such as Sundowner wind events, it is extremely unsafe and impossible for firefighters or citizens to make an effective defensive stand, so these structures and values must be able to survive on their own. The ability of firefighters to protect values at risk depends on many factors. Firefighters arriving on scene will perform a quick triage to determine whether a structure is defendable. They look for access/egress issues, whether a structure has characteristics of vulnerability, hazardous material issues, adequate water sources, adequate defensible space, and whether the defensible space provides them safe operational space. The defensible space includes both wildland vegetation as well as ornamental vegetation used in landscaping. Often times the ornamental vegetation can be more flammable than wildland vegetation. In addition to defensible space requirements from PRC 4291, firefighters must consider whether the defensible space requirements are enough during a wildfire to provide a safe operational space based on the fire behavior they’re observing. Depending on fire behavior 100-feet of defensible space is not sufficient for safety in defending structures and other values. Safety zone guidelines provide safe operational space for firefighters protecting structures. Firefighters require a minimum distances of 4 times the height from observed or anticipated flame lengths (Butler, B., Cohen, J.D, 2000); however, these distances are a minimum and will likely require greater distances if the fire behavior dictates it. The safety zone guidelines assume that there is no wind or slope and convective heat from wind and/or terrain influences. Areas with these influences will need greater distances than those recommended in this analysis to provide for firefighter safety. Observations have shown that flame lengths exceeding 70-feet do occur during wildfires in this area so depending on the slope or wind components defensible space distances greater than 100-feet may be needed. Although the assessment in Chapter 5 provides some guidance with flame lengths, an onsite consultation with the SBCFD is recommended to determine whether the clearance around a structure

54 | P a g e City of Goleta C o m m u n i t y Wildfire Protection Plan or value is sufficient to provide a safe working environment required for firefighter and citizen’s life safety. When defensible space, fuelbreaks, and area treatments are coordinated, the City’s natural resources are afforded an enhanced level of protection from wildfire that may originate from a structure or home. These fuel treatments moderate fire behavior, improve access for firefighters, and provide a safer working environment allowing them to protect the City’s natural resource values and suppress the wildfire. 6.2.1 Reducing Structure Ignitability The ability of a structure to survive wildfire depends on its construction materials and the quality of the defensible space surrounding it. Burning embers from a wildfire will find the weak link in a structure and ignite it because of a small, overlooked or seemingly inconsequential factor. However, there are measures that can be taken to safeguard structures from wildfire. If a structure’s vulnerability to ignition can be mitigated, then the catastrophic loss of structures can be minimized. The exterior construction material, structure design, maintenance of the material, and defensible space will determine whether a structure will survive or not. Most actions to reduce the ignition potential of a structure are with the structure itself and the immediate area directly adjacent to the structure within 100 feet. Under some circumstances reducing fire intensity, and therefore the structure ignition risk, may involve extending the zone further depending on steepness of slopes and typical fire weather wind events (i.e. Sundowner winds). The following mitigation actions will enhance the survivability of structures and the life safety of citizens and firefighters in Goleta. Table 9 Reducing Structure Ignitibility

Structure Mitigation Action Component Follow Primary Zone guidelines in Tables 13 & 14. Select fire resistant plants and non- Defensible combustible hardscape for the landscaping. Plants located within this area should be Space kept healthy and maintained frequently. Required minimum letter/number height of 3” for residential and minimum of 6” for Addressing commercial with additional posting for longer access routes Replace wood-shake or shingle roofs with a Class-A fire-resistant type (composition, metal or tile). Openings in roofing materials, such as the open ends of barrel tiles, Roof should be plugged to prevent ember entry and debris accumulation. Regardless of the type of roof, keep it free of bird’s nests, fallen leaves, needles and branches. Chimney and stovepipe openings should be screened with an approved spark arrestor Chimneys cap. Cover the underside of the eaves with a soffit, or boxing in the eaves, which will reduce Eaves the ember threat. Enclose eaves with fiber cement board or 5/8-inch-thick, high-grade plywood. If enclosing the eaves is not possible, fill gaps under open eaves with caulk. Noncombustible siding materials (stucco, brick, cement board and steel) are better Exterior Siding choices. If using noncombustible siding materials is not feasible, keep siding in good condition and replace materials in poor condition. Single-pane windows and large windows are particularly vulnerable. Recommend installing windows that are at least double-glazed and that utilize tempered glass for the Windows and exterior pane. The type of window frame (wood, aluminum or vinyl) is not as critical; Skylights however, vinyl frames can melt in extreme heat and should have metal reinforcements. Keep skylights free of leaves and other debris, and remove overhanging branches. If

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skylights are to be placed on steep pitched roofs that face large amounts of nearby fuels (a mature pine tree or another house), consider using flat ones constructed of double- pane glass. All vent openings should be covered with 1/8-inch or smaller wire mesh. Another option Vents is to install ember-resistant vents. Do not permanently cover vents, as they play a critical role in preventing wood rot. Always keep rain gutters free of bird’s nests, leaves, needles and other debris. Check Rain Gutters and clean them several times during the year. Keep all deck materials in good condition. Consider using fire-resistant rated materials. Routinely remove combustible debris (pine needles, leaves, twigs and weeds) from the Decks gaps between deck boards and under the deck. Enclosing the sides of the deck may reduce this type of maintenance. Do not store combustible materials under the deck. Flammable Keep the porch, deck and other areas of the home free of flammable materials (baskets, Items newspapers, pine needles and debris). Keep firewood stacked at least 30-feet away.

Websites with additional information include:  Santa Barbara County Fire Department - www.sbcfire.com  Center for Fire Research and Outreach - http://firecenter.berkeley.edu  Homeowner’s Wildfire Mitigation Guide - http://groups.ucanr.org/HWMG  Firesafe Landscape - http://ucanr.org/safelandscapes 6.2.2 Development Standards Development Standards to ensure that new developments incorporate wildfire protection measures to reduce structure loss include:  Private Roads and Driveways – requirements for driveways and private road width, turnouts, grade/slope, switchbacks, construction, curve radius, signing, building addresses, and vegetation clearance.  Stored Water Fire Protection Systems – requirements for capacity, tank setting, vegetation clearances, outlets, location of outlets, pipe material, standpipes, and pipe sizes.  Defensible Space Standards – SBCFD enforces requirements for all buildings, structures, and road systems to ensure they maintain the minimum defensible space requirement from on PRC 4291.  Access Gates – requirements for emergency access to locked gates, types of gates, locking devices, locations, distance from roads, open gate width for ingress and egress, and “fail safe” mechanisms for electric gates.  Fire Hydrant Spacing and Flow Rates – requirements for hydrant spacing, locations, numbers required, valves, outlets, types, clearance for objects, and flow rates for commercial, residential, and rural use. See Appendix D for additional Information on Development Standards. 6.2.3 Water Sources Water supplies are a critical element in a firefighter’s ability to suppress a wildfire. There are almost 700 fire hydrants within or near the City with most areas of the City having adequate coverage; however, there are areas of the City with fewer hydrants (See Water Sources Map, Figure 10). In these areas the alternate use of water tenders, fire engines shuttling water to other fire engines, and hose

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Figure 10 Water Sources

lays as well as static water sources such as pools, lakes, and other water bodies can be used to supplement areas with fewer hydrants. However, fewer available waters sources in some areas may hinder fire suppression efforts and affect how quickly a wildfire is controlled. 6.2.4 Natural and Cultural Resources The reality is that the priority for fire protection is life safety first, followed by property then natural resources. The fire suppression actions taken to defend and protect life safety, structures, and infrastructure will not be the same for natural resources. Wildfires in this area often burn through vegetation as a “stand replacement” fire. A stand replacement fire is a fire that either consumes or kills the majority of the dominant vegetation, thereby changing the structure and composition of the vegetation substantially. Unfortunately, most of the habitats (such as monarch butterfly aggregate sites) that are valued so greatly are extremely flammable. How do we protect these important values? The best way to provide for the protection of values is through fuels treatment. Fuel treatments can reduce the threat of wildfire coming from human development towards critical habitat and reduce the wildfire severity. 6.3 FUELS MITIGATION STRATEGY The critical role of wildfire and fuels management in California’s ecosystems has long been recognized. Two renowned wildland fire researchers portray the critical role of wildfire/fuels management in the California ecosystem, Their concepts remain the same and apply to the wildfire environment in Goleta today. Clive Countryman, 1974: “The only alternative to planned and managed vegetation patterns in Southern California appears to be the acceptance of great economic damage, threat to human life, and the unpleasant aesthetic and environmental effects of unmanageable wildfire.” Harold Biswell, 1989: “The management of wildland fuel has become one of the more important aspects of fire management.” The fuels mitigation strategy outlined in this CWPP addresses Goleta’s situation and provides guidance on mitigation measures utilizing PRC 4291 (See Appendix E for additional information). The recommendations for hazard mitigation projects such as hazardous fuel treatments are general in nature, meaning site-specific planning addressing location, access, land ownership, biological concerns, archaeological and historical site concerns, topography, soils, and fuels are required prior to implementation. This CWPP does not require implementation of any of the recommendations but these recommendations can serve as guidelines for the implementation process if funding opportunities become available. As a society, we recognize the necessity of managing the effects of wildfire on both humans and natural resources, and in the last 20 years, fuels management has come to play a leading role in managing ecosystems and natural resources. To be effective at protecting social values and natural resources, California land managers have focused attention on the manipulation of wildland fuel. Fuels management and fire prevention have joined fire suppression as key components of fire management programs. A fuels management strategy provides guidance for actions involving the manipulation of fuels to accomplish the overall goal of reducing or mitigating destructive wildfire hazards to the community of

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Goleta. The tactics developed to implement this strategy consist of fuel treatment prescriptions that are grounded in wildfire science and follow a prioritization process based on protection of life, property and natural resources. Development of fuel treatment prescriptions and parameters draws on wildfire modeling outputs, specific fuel types, topography and location relative to structures and valued habitat. The following comparison statement may assist in understanding the term ‘fuel treatment prescription’: A doctor advises on medical treatment prescriptions to help sick patients; a fire/fuels specialist advises on fuel treatment prescriptions to improve hazardous landscapes. Fuel prescriptions will vary from high through low intensive treatment levels in the form of vegetation removal to meet site-specific hazard reduction needs while also considering land allocation objectives. The full spectrum of implementation tactics are captured in a fuel treatment plan. The goal of a fuel treatment plan and program is to modify potential fire behavior or fire effects to achieve a defined condition. The fuel treatment plan for Goleta follows federal and state programs, with a primary purpose of reducing risks to human communities and improving ecosystem health. Common objectives include reducing potential fire intensity, rate of spread, and severity of fire effects. Achieving these objectives can provide dual benefits - reducing the likelihood of damaging wildfire spreading from undeveloped areas to structures or from human development into undeveloped, valuable habitat areas. This fuels treatment plan is a set of site-specific tactics developed for Goleta’s areas of concern, including open spaces, undeveloped lands, and parks. 6.3.1 Existing Fuel Treatment Activities Goleta’s Planning Department includes a manager that oversees a program-of-work that provides necessary and continual upkeep of their parks and open spaces. This program involves several types of fuel treatment activities depending on the type of site, vegetation, and treatment objectives. The focus areas generally fall into four categories:  Neighborhood Parks  Community Parks  Neighborhood Open Spaces  Regional Open Spaces The first of these (neighborhood parks) generally do not require “open space fuel treatments”. The latter three categories may receive “open space fuel treatments”. The application of open space treatments is dependent on the amount of development of the area. The following list captures a summary of current and most commonly applied fuel treatments by the four categories:  Neighborhood Parks o Routine overall manicure/maintenance work  Community Parks o Mowing – mechanical mower equipment on annual herbaceous growth o Tree maintenance work – limbing, pruning, removal of dead/damaged  Neighborhood Open Spaces (as specified) o Mowing – mechanical mower equipment on annual herbaceous growth o Weed whacking o Shrub and tree maintenance – limbing, pruning, removal of dead/damaged vegetation  Regional Open Space

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o Mowing – mechanical mower equipment on annual herbaceous growth o Shrub and tree maintenance – limbing, pruning, removal of dead/damaged vegetation o Yard waste removal o Flammable invasive vegetation removal o Removal of decadent/dead shrubs/tree stumps o Chipping of dead/downed material o Tree pruning In areas where there is concern of re-sprouting potential after a tree removal treatment, a “stump- grinder” can minimize this problem. The City owns one stump grinder and often contracts it out to various work sites where this technique is needed. The timing and interval for fuel treatments generally varies by site type and vegetation type. The neighborhood parks are maintained by a contractor typically expected to do the work on a weekly basis throughout the growing months of the year (approximately March – October). Fuel treatments in the larger community parks and open space areas usually occurs two to four times a year. A complete and detailed list of each area and fuel treatment activity is available in Appendix F. 6.3.2 Vegetation Management Units Rather than assigning each of the City’s and privately owned parks and open spaces as individual Vegetation Management Units (VMUs), eight VMUs have been established (See VMU Map, Figure 11. The VMUs designations are based on parks and open spaces with similar management characteristics (i.e. all inland zoned, developed city-owned parks are lumped into a single VMU) or parks and open spaces with individual existing management plans (i.e. Coronado Preserve). This structure will assist with identifying areas that require similar fuel treatment activities. The VMUs are as follows: Table 10 Vegetation Management Units

VMU Name Public Use Open Spaces/Parks City-Owned Campus Glen, Ellwood Mesa, Santa Barbara Shores (2), Santa Barbara Ellwood Mesa Shores Park, Sperling Preserve Los Carneros Lake Los Carneros Natural and Historical Preserve including the Stow House Andamar, Armstrong, Bella Vista I & II, Emerald Terrace Tennis Courts, Community Center, Nectarine, San Miguel, Stow Grove Park, Stow Tennis Developed Inland Courts, University Village, Mathilda, Planned “C” ¹, Planned “D” ¹, Winchester I, Winchester II, Armitos Park, Bella Vista III, Brandon, Evergreen Acres*, Glen Annie at Del Norte, Koarts Apartments (2), La Goleta, Oro Verde (2), Planned “A” ¹, Undeveloped Inland Planned “E” ¹, San Jose Creek, San Miguel Open Space, Stonebridge, Winchester I Open Space *Less than approximately 50% of this open space is developed; it is considered undeveloped. ¹Planned future park sites. Privately-Owned Coronado Coronado Preserve (owned/operated by nonprofit private entities) Private - Undeveloped Haskell’s Beach (2), Willow Springs Open Space Private - Developed Girsh Park Private - Agriculture Bishop Ranch, Ellwood Canyon, Fairview Garden, Shelby

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Figure 11 Vegetation Management Units

6.3.3 Private Ownership Lands There are many privately owned land parcels within the boundary of Goleta City. These lands also fall under the fire protection responsibility of SBCFD. When structures are present, private property owners are required to follow the current defensible space regulations - California PRC-4291 (See Appendix E for additional information). In the open undeveloped land expanses of private ownership, there may be situations where the fuel conditions on the private land pose a wildfire threat to surrounding community values. Clearly, an active wildfire will not stop or change direction due to a designated administrative boundary so the fuel treatment recommendations presented in this CWPP are recommended for the entire land-base in Goleta regardless of ownership or status. 6.3.5 Prioritization of Fuel Treatments The fuels management program strategy provides the groundwork for treatment prioritization. As in the case of emergency response program planning, wildfire or fuels treatment planning should follow the same priorities in protection, which are 1. Life Safety 2. Property 3. Resources – Natural, Cultural, Visual, Recreational The fuel treatments recommended for each of Goleta’s VMUs follow a basic protocol. Areas in need of treatment that are located in close proximity to dwellings or infrastructure are a higher priority classification than those areas that are further from human developments. The outputs from the fire behavior modeling in Chapter 5 are factored into the prioritization process with high hazard areas (higher flame lengths) typically receiving a higher priority treatment need. The prioritization of fuel treatments are a valuable tool to help guide City managers with decisions for the implementation of hazard mitigation actions across the community. The prioritization ranking consists of qualitative designators - High, Moderate, or Low for each site within a VMU. In all cases burning embers can still pose a serious threat to values. Following protocol described previously, the primary attributes defining the three designators involve fuels and fire behavior characteristics and proximity to values. These designators are coarsely defined as follows:  HIGH – Severe fire behavior characteristics are expected with significant threat to values by extreme temperatures from radiant and/or convective heat within 100 feet of values.  MODERATE – Fire behavior is expected to pose a serious threat to values; values that are flammable can ignite from extreme temperatures from radiant and/or convective heat at distances greater than 100 feet from values.  LOW – Low fire behavior characteristics are likely with minimal threat from radiant and convective heat to at risk values. In a majority of the developed parks and open space areas of Goleta, the current program of mowing and maintenance work is effectively keeping the hazard low on those sites. The fuels treatment prioritization information in Table 12 shows these areas in the “low” priority category due to the manicured condition of on-site vegetation. It is important to continue the current treatment program to keep these developed, high-use areas in their low-hazard category.

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6.3.4 Fuel Treatment Levels and Treatment Types In a typical fuel treatment prescription, the amount of fuel removed can vary due to a number of contributing factors in a given location. This variation in the amount of fuel removed is also referred to as intensive fuel treatment level. The more intense the treatment, the more fuel is removed making less fuel available to burn, less fuel available to burn means fire behavior is reduced or moderated. The fuel treatment types take on a wide assortment of forms but can generally be divided broadly into five categories – mechanical treatments, manual treatments, fire treatments, biological treatments and herbicide treatments. The fuel treatment plan for Goleta will primarily focus on mechanical and manual treatments since the amount of biomass material removed is more controllable. Mechanical and manual treatments rely on a variety of methods to physically modify or remove fuel with more precision in application than prescribed fire and avoid smoke impacts and possible damage from the effects of scorching. In some cases, the fuel can be removed and utilized to produce wood products or to generate electricity (Sugihara, 2006). The following are brief descriptions of the more common types of mechanical and manual treatments:

Mowing Mowing of grasses, weeds and low-shrubs is likely a familiar treatment activity to those that care for lawns and yards. Mowing in this setting is usually done using a larger commercial size mower where the operator rides atop the equipment; it may also be a mower that is dragged behind a tractor like vehicle. Mastication Mastication is the mechanical grinding, crushing, shredding, chipping and chopping of fuel that reduces fire intensity and rate of spread. There are many types of machinery that have the capacity to do the mastication work. Examples include feller-bunchers or skidders modified with a masticating head, tractors pulling a mower/masticating head, excavators with a masticating head on their boom, dozers with masticator-type capability and innovative or custom machines with masticating capabilities. Manual Fuel Treatment Manual work to accomplish fuels reduction work is likely to be a slower process, is the most expensive but is also the most precise method. The types of manual treatments often utilized include hand- thinning or removal of small understory brush and trees, limbing of larger trees, raking and hand-piling of surface debris, and weed-whacking grasses or low-growing shrubs. Thinning Tree and shrub thinning is used as a treatment to modify the fuel structure in stands of trees and shrubs/brush that have become more dense. Thinning a stand reduces ladder fuel or crown fuel continuity and effectively moderates crown fire behavior. A thinning treatment can provide economic returns, possibly producing some commercial products. In most cases, thinning is only effective as a fuel management technique when the fine surface fuels are also reduced (Agee, J., Skinner, C., 2005). Thinning is an effective fuels management method if it reduces the likelihood that a surface fire will

61 | P a g e City of Goleta C o m m u n i t y Wildfire Protection Plan transition into a crown fire by the break-up of vertical and horizontal fuel continuity (Further information on the design of thinning prescriptions are in Chapter 6.3.4). Biological Treatment Biological treatment involves the use of domestic livestock grazing or browsing to reduce surface fuel loads. This treatment can be very effective in treating fuels. This method is applied primarily within the WUI in shrublands or grasslands. Grazing can reduce the need and costs of mechanical treatments such as mowing or disking and also eliminates the fire hazard aspect of equipment use in high fire hazard areas. A few limitations include strategic limitations to narrow strips of land along roads due to fencing and transportation costs, required access to water sources or transportation of water to the site, and the animals indiscriminate fuel reduction as compared to manual or mechanical treatments. 6.3.5 Fuel Treatment Prescriptions The fuel management prescriptions for each of Goleta’s VMUs were developed to guide treatments to achieve a less hazardous fuel profile. The specific type of treatment applied at a site is the choice of the person(s) overseeing or managing the fuels treatment program implementation. Treatments types will depend largely on vegetation type, site topography, project objectives, and may have limitations due to sensitive habitat, archaeological concerns, soil, water courses, and proximity to structures. It is important to understand that the work can be costly and prone to limitations such as budget and workforce constraints; therefore, implementation of these projects will likely be in a staged approach. The CWPP is a fundamental tool that will help City managers work with the community to mindfully apply a fuel management strategy. See Tables 13 (Undeveloped Areas) and 14 (Developed Areas) for a summary of treatment recommendations by location and fuel type. 6.3.6 Fuel Treatments and Firefighter Safety Adequate defensible space provides a safer environment for firefighters when protecting structures. Safe operational space for firefighting personnel was used as the criterion to validate clearance requirements and applies to guidelines used for a wildland fire safety zone. 6.3.7 Fuel Treatment Tactics The fuel prescription for a given site in a VMU may identify a specific fuel treatment tactic that is a best fit or design for hazard reduction on the site. The fuel treatment types (described in Section 6.3.1) are methods utilized to implement recommended tactical treatment designs. In any treatment design/tactic, the goal is to create a fire resilient area by implementing a three-part objective: reduce surface fuels, reduce ladder fuels, and reduce crown density (Agee, J., Skinner, C., 2005). Commonly applied fuel treatment tactics include fuelbreaks, shaded fuelbreaks, area treatments, a feathered edge effect, and gradient thinning or fuel removal.  Fuelbreak – “a strategically located wide block, or strip, on which a cover of dense, heavy or flammable vegetation has been permanently changed to one of lower fuel volume or reduced flammability” (Green, 1977). Fuelbreaks have a long history in the western U.S. Recent interest in fuelbreaks and similar concepts has spawned new names such as defensible fuel profile zones and community protection zones (Omi, P., 1996; Weatherspoon, Skinner 1996). Fuelbreak prescriptions including width, amount of fuel reduction, and maintenance standards will vary depending on fuel type, slope and location on the land, and many other environmental

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factors. A fuelbreak designed in conjunction with a road can be an advantage due to ease in access for both construction and maintenance. Fuelbreaks are not designed to stop fires but to reduce fire behavior characteristics and provide access for firefighters giving them a higher probability of success in suppressing a wildland fire safely.

 Shaded fuelbreak – is a type of fuelbreak in stands of trees. A shaded fuelbreak is created by altering surface fuels, increasing the height to the base of the live crown of trees, and opening the canopy by removing or thinning some trees. The thinning prescriptions will vary based on many site specific variables including, but not limited to: tree species and size, stand density, site location, and area objectives (further information on thinning is provided later in this section).

 Area treatments - Rather than being an alternative to fuelbreaks, are an expansion of the fuelbreak concept to other areas of the landscape. In Goleta’s VMUs, there are small portions of either developed or undeveloped areas that will fall into this type treatment tactic. An area treatment may be necessary due to the fuel condition on the site and proximity to values at risk.

 Feathered edge - a treatment design tactic that would be utilized to create a less visually obtrusive treatment boundary. This is done by allowing some variance in the distance parameters of a treatment zone’s horizontal distance such that the final results are not a straight-line or linear hedge appearance. This feathering technique can be used in either timber or brush vegetation type.

 Gradient fuel removal - describes the treatment resulting from a variation in the intensive level of fuel removal on a site. The locations or zones displayed in the columns of Tables 14 and 15 are examples of applying a gradient to the fuels removal, such as a more intensive treatment close to homes, structures or other values graduating out to less intensive away from the value at risk.

 Thinning - generally prescribed by a spatial distance between crowns or stems/boles of larger or “leave” trees and a diameter limit for trees removed. This is also described in terms of a desired percentage of canopy cover to remain after thinning. Another prescription method (more often utilized in commercial timber sale activity) is by specified basal area (the total cross-sectional area of the trees in a stand, at breast height or 4.5 feet above the ground measured in square feet per acre). A prescribed thinning treatment tactic may be part of a recommended prescription for on-site trees in any of the spatial designs treatments described in this section. In any thinning treatment application, the thinned material must be treated; methods may include removal, chipping, mastication, or piling and burning. Recommend a Registered Professional Forester to develop thinning guidelines. NOTE: There are specified techniques required in trimming/removal of eucalyptus that will minimize stump sprouting.

 Roadside fuel treatment - a critical feature that provides safe access/egress routes for both public and fire personnel during a wildfire event. The roadside clearance protocol for Goleta follows the standards adopted by SBCFD.

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Table 11 Summary of VMUs w/Open Spaces, Values at Risk, Proposed Activities, & Treatment Priorities

GP/CP VMU: Proposed Activities: Treatment Fig. 3-2 Values At Risk Map #s Open Space/Park (Further treatment details in Tables 14 & 15) Priority Ellwood Mesa: Residences, monarch Fuels reduction adjacent to residences; thin, 31 Campus Glen butterfly ESHA, recreation High prune, mow trails Fuels reduction adj. to residences; prune, mow, 33 Santa Barbara Shores (a) Residences High thin-optional Fuels reduction adj. to residences; prune, mow, 33 Santa Barbara Shores (b) Residences High thin-optional Fuels reduction adjacent to residences; thin, Residences, powerlines, Ellwood Mesa Open Space prune, mow; 34 monarch butterfly ESHA, High (Santa Barbara Shores Park) mow along edge of grove - non-developed recreation trails portions Fuels reduction adjacent to residences; thin, Residences, monarch Ellwood Mesa Open Space prune, mow; 30 butterfly ESHA, recreation High (Sperling Preserve) mow along edge of grove - non-developed trails portions (owned/operated by Coronado: nonprofit private entities) Residences, monarch Fuels reduction adjacent to residences; thin, 32 Coronado Preserve butterfly ESHA, recreation prune, mow High trails Los Carneros: Residences - Interior & Continue current fuel reduction work; expand outside, offices, multiple treatment ESHA types, heritage work around interior structures; thin, prune, mow 12 Lake Los Carneros Preserve High structures, Stow House, outside edges of preserve – emphasis: La Patera recreation trails, lake, picnic Lane vicinity area Developed Inland: Lawn, play equipment, 19 Andamar picnic area, homes in Continue current fuel reduction work: mowing Low vicinity Lawn, park play equipment, 27 Armstrong Continue current fuel maintenance program Low picnic area, homes in

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vicinity Lawn, play equipment, 10 Bella Vista I & II large picnic area, homes in Continue current fuel maintenance program Low vicinity Emerald Terrace Tennis Cts Lawn, play equipment, 20 picnic area, homes/schools Continue current fuel maintenance program Low nearby Buildings/classrms, lawn, 23 Community Center gazebo, ESHA, developed Continue current fuel maintenance program Low areas Nectarine Sandlot with play 24 equipment, homes in Continue current fuel maintenance program Low vicinity Lawn, play structure, picnic Continue current fuel maintnce; attn to road 1 San Miguel areas, homes adjacent, Moderate access clearance ESHA Lawn, fields, recreation/game areas, 13 Stow Grove Park Continue current fuel maintenance program Low picnic area, redwoods, ESHA Stow Tennis Courts Lawn, tennis courts, ESHA, 15 Continue current fuel maintenance program Low homes in vicinity University Village Lawn, footbridge, 28 homes/businesses in Continue current fuel maintenance program Low vicinity Play equipment, picnic 29 Mathilda area, homes/businesses in Continue current fuel maintenance program Low vicinity Planned “C” Willow Springs C Follow guidance for new development neighborhood park Planned “D” Village at Los Carneros D Follow guidance for new development neighborhood park Small lawn, play 3 Winchester I equipment, picnic area, Continue current fuel maintenance program Low homes nearby Winchester II Lawn, play equipment, picnic area, homes in 2 Continue current fuel maintenance program Low vicinity

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Undeveloped Inland: Armitos Park Riparian ESHA, nearby 22 Continue fuel reduction work: mowing Low businesses 9 Bella Vista III Homes in vicinity Continue current fuel maintenance program Low Open space field, Continue mowing work; start: thin, prune along 5 Brandon homes/church directly High fence line behind El Camino Church & homes adjacent Lawn, play fields, rec/game Continue fuel reduction work: mowing, tree areas, tennis courts, play maintenance (in developed portion); start thin, 6 Evergreen Acres* equipment, walkways, prune along back of homes/fence off San Milano High picnic area, adjacent homes, ESHA Glen Annie at Del Norte Open space area, homes in 11 Continue fuel reduction work: mowing Low vicinity Koarts Apartments (2) Open fields, directly behind 7-8 Continue fuel reduction work: mowing Low apartment complex Continue fuel reduction work: mow, tree & shrub Open space, riparian 16 LaGoleta work; attn: defensible space problem on 1 home Moderate ESHA, homes in vicinity @ SE corner of O.S. Undevl area, homes Continue fuel reduction work: mow, tree/shrub 17-18 OroVerde (2) Moderate adjacent, ESHA work Planned “A” Expansion of Armitos A Follow guidance for new development neighborhood park Cabrillo business E Planned “E” neighborhood park, open Follow guidance for new development space San Jose Creek Neighborhood O.S., Continue fuel reduction work: mow, tree/shrub 21 adjacent to homes, riparian Low work ESHA Neighborhood O.S., Continue fuel reduction: mow, tree/shrub work; 1 San Miguel Open Space riparian ESHA, adjacent Moderate expand buffer along creek – evac route problems homes Undeveloped area, hiking Continue fuel reduction work: mow, tree/shrub 14 Stonebridge trail, riparian ESHA, homes Low work nearby Winchester I Open Space Continue fuel reduction work: mow, tree/shrub Neighborhood O.S., Hwy work 4 Low 101, homes nearby

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Private –Undeveloped: Beach access walkway, 35-36 Haskell’s Beach (2) N/A public parking Willow Springs Open Cultural resources, 25 Check on fuel reduction needs on regular basis Space structures nearby Private-Developed Fields, community meeting Advise to continue mowing, trimming; thick 26 Girsh Park room, play equipment, riparian vegetation @ SE corner consider a picnic areas, riparian ESHA thinning buffer Private – Agriculture: Open space for agriculture Remain attentive to Def. Space buffer along Bishop Ranch production, multiple ESHA boundary area types Open space for agriculture Remain attentive to Def. Space buffer along Ellwood Canyon production, ESHA boundary area Open space for agriculture Remain attentive to Def. Space buffer along Fairview Garden production, boundary area *Less than approximately 50% of this open space is developed; it is considered undeveloped. Colors correspond to CWPP - VMU Map – Figure 11

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Fuels Management Prescription Guidance Undeveloped VMUS

Table 12 Prescription Guidance in Undeveloped VMUS

Primary Defense Zone (A) Fuel Reduction Zone (B) Location  Fuel Reduction Zone (C) (0 – 30’)* (30’ – 100’) (100’ – 150’ - applies to larger areas)

Fuel Type  Based on Defensible Space PRC - 4291 Based on Firefighter Safety Reduce fuel depth to 4 inches; methods Same treatment as (A); longer grass in Treatment may be needed in portions Grass/ Forbs include mowing, masticating, weed- isolated open areas is acceptable on a case by case basis whacking, biological browsing Clear dead/down flammable materials; Reduce dead/down flammable material Reduce heavier pockets of dead/down Surface dead/down methods include raking, hand- to < 3” depth; methods same as (A); < 5 flammable material to < 5” depth; < 5-7 material piling/removal, masticating tons/acre in isolated logs acceptable. tons/acre in isolated logs acceptable. chipping/dispersal on site Remove to a spacing (between edges of Same Treatment as (A); a pocket or Less intensive brush removal; with brush) generally 2x brush height on <20% Brush/ Shrub fuel clump of brush can be treated as one spacing approximately 10 ft; and more slopes; methods include masticating or large shrub in more open site conditions. clumping of shrubs. hand-cutting, biological browsing Thin smaller trees leaving larger trees at Thin smaller trees leaving larger trees at 10-20 ft crown spacing (based on slope, approx. 10 ft crown spacing (based on Reduce ladder fuels by pruning lower Trees Overstory tree size and type); reduce ladder fuels by slope, tree size and type); reduce ladder branches of larger trees that have (without brush pruning lower branches 6-15 ft up, or fuels by pruning lower branches 6 ft up, broken limbs, dead material etc. 6 ft up; understory) lower 1/3 of tree height on smaller trees; or lower 1/3 of tree height on smaller method likely hand-cut. method likely hand-cut trees; method likely hand-cut. Thinning specs same as Trees Overstory Thinning specs same as Trees Overstory without brush understory (B). without brush understory (C). Thinning specs same as Trees Overstory Trees Overstory Understory: remove brush ladder fuel; Understory: less intensive removal of without brush understory (A). Understory: (with brush intermittent patches of shrubs and small brush ladder fuel; intermittent patches of remove brush ladder fuel; methods understory) trees in openings (non-canopy) is shrubs and small trees in openings (non- include masticating or hand-cutting acceptable; methods include masticating canopy) is acceptable; methods include or hand-cutting masticating or hand-cutting

*For further information specific to homeowner/structure mitigation measures. See Section 6.2.1

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Fuels Mitigation Prescription Guidance Developed VMUs

Table 13 Prescription Guidance Developed VMUs

Location  Primary Defense Zone (A) Fuel Reduction Zone (B) (0 – 30’)* (30’ – 100’)

Fuel Type  Based on Defensible Space PRC – 4291 and Firefighter Safety

Reduce fuel depth to 4 inches; methods include mowing, Same treatment as (A); longer grass in isolated open areas Grass/ Forbs masticating, weed-whacking, biological browsing is acceptable. Clear dead/down flammable materials; methods include Surface dead/down Reduce dead/down flammable material to < 3” depth; raking, hand-piling/removal, masticating chipping/dispersal material methods same as (A). on site Remove to a spacing (between edges of brush) generally Same Treatment as (A); a pocket or clump of brush can be Brush/ Shrub fuel 2x brush height on <20% slopes; methods include treated as one large shrub in more open site conditions. masticating or hand-cutting, biological browsing On case-by-case basis**: Thin smaller or unhealthy trees On case-by-case basis**: Thin smaller or unhealthy trees. Trees Overstory leaving larger trees at 10-20 ft crown spacing (based on Reduce ladder fuels by pruning lower branches 6 ft up, or (without brush slope, tree size and type). Reduce ladder fuels by pruning lower 1/3 of tree height on smaller trees; method likely hand- understory) lower branches 6-15 ft up, or lower 1/3 of tree height on cut. smaller trees; method likely hand-cut Thinning specs (case-by-case) same as Trees Overstory Trees Overstory Thinning specs (case-by-case) same as Trees Overstory without brush understory (B). Understory: remove brush (with brush without brush understory (A). Understory: remove brush ladder fuel; intermittent patches of shrubs and small trees in understory) ladder fuel; methods include masticating or hand-cutting openings (non-canopy) is acceptable; methods include masticating or hand-cutting

(Note: Treatments listed are primarily those currently applied by Goleta City Management; the areas are mostly smaller, manicured park type settings.) *For further information specific to homeowner/structure mitigation measures see Section 6.2.1. **The decision for this treatment need should be from the Goleta City Project Manager overseeing VMU mitigation work. Initial input from a wildland fire specialist is also recommended.

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The primary clearance considerations are as follows: o Vertical clearance of 13-feet, 6-inches shall be maintained (CFC 503.2.1). o Horizontal clearance of up to 10 feet on each side of the driveway or private road shall be maintained as required by the Fire Chief or his designee. o Additional clearance may be required in high fire hazard areas. Horizontal clearance recommendations may increase from 5 to 15 feet along roads that encounter high fire hazard areas such as thick chaparral or dense eucalyptus stands. In Goleta, examples of higher fire areas exist primarily along the outer city boundaries adjacent to wildland brush fields and adjacent to eucalyptus groves.  Eucalyptus Grove Boundary Mowing - a unique fuel ladder reduction technique that has been utilized to a limited extent outside the boundary of the grove in the areas that are adjacent to wildland vegetation. The intent of this action is to break up the continuity of the surface fuels growing into the grove to keep wildfire burning only in surface fuels and out of the canopy of the eucalyptus. Crown fires create a hazardous wildfire situation for the grove and surrounding area. 6.3.8 Monarch Butterfly Aggregation Area Treatment Strategy Design standards recommended for fuel treatments specific to areas near butterfly aggregation sites were developed to minimize adverse effects on adjacent habitat while reducing hazardous fuels. Careful coordination with City approved butterfly and wildland fire experts will be necessary during planning and implementation of any fuel treatments since conditions within groves can change and aggregation locations may shift. Aggregation locations should be monitored and noted so that any fuel treatment activities can be modified if necessary. All work near butterfly aggregations areas (shown in Figure 12) is to be conducted between April 1 and September 15, outside of monarch butterfly overwintering season. There are three active aggregation locations within the groves on Ellwood Mesa area (See Figure 12). Two of these sites are directly adjacent to residences along eucalyptus grove boundaries, and the third (the southwest corner of Figure 12) is not directly adjacent to structures, but is adjacent to the Sandpiper Golf Course. In habitat areas that are not adjacent to structures, fuel treatments will consist of mowing along the outside edge of the grove. Fuel treatments in areas near human developments are critical measures in the wildfire protection strategy for both residences and butterfly aggregations and habitat. Trees along grove edges buffer aggregation sites from wind and weather; therefore, it is important to maintain adequate tree density within these edges. Larger trees are not the primary fuel of concern in the spread potential of wildfire but rather the understory vegetation, dead-downed trees, and fuels creating fire ladders pose the greatest hazard and threat. In butterfly aggregation areas near homes, fuel treatment strategy prescriptions (in Table 15 - Prescription Guidance for Butterfly Aggregation Areas Adjacent to Structures) are valid guidelines; however, butterfly and wildland fire expertise is required. This site-specific consultation between butterfly and wildland fire experts provides an adaptive management strategy, which does not 70 | P a g e City of Goleta C o m m u n i t y Wildfire Protection Plan

Figure 12 April 2011 Monarch Butterfly Aggregation Sites – Courtesy of Dr. Meade

compromise the overall wildfire protection objectives. Understory, ladder fuel and dead-downed fuel removal are acceptable hazard reduction actions in these areas, which play the principal role in wildfire propagation. Some level of careful thinning of the smaller or unhealthy trees in the first 30-feet of the grove is recommended with balancing the wind buffering needs of the aggregation. Treatment implementation and subsequent monitoring should involve input by City approved butterfly and wildfire professionals.

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Table 14 Prescription Guidance for Butterfly Aggregation Areas Adjacent to Structures

Location  Primary Defense Zone (A)*** Fuel Reduction Zone (B*** (0 – 30’) (30’ – 100’)

Fuel Type  Based on Defensible Space PRC – 4291 and Firefighter Safety

Reduce fuel depth to 4 inches; methods include mowing, Same treatment as (A); longer grass in isolated open areas is Grass/ Forbs masticating, weed-whacking, biological browsing acceptable. Clear dead/down flammable materials; methods include Surface dead/down Reduce dead/down flammable material to < 3” depth; raking, hand-piling/removal, masticating chipping/dispersal material methods same as (A). on site Remove to a spacing (between edges of brush) generally Same Treatment as (A); a pocket or clump of brush can be Brush/ Shrub fuel 2x brush height on <20% slopes; methods include treated as one large shrub in more open site conditions. masticating or hand-cutting, biological browsing Trim or thin only trees that do not provide protection to Trim or thin only trees that do not provide protection to monarch butterfly aggregation sites* Thin smaller or monarch butterfly aggregation sites* Thin smaller or Trees Overstory unhealthy trees at 10 – 20 ft crown spacing ( as unhealthy trees at approximately 10 ft crown spacing (as without brush determined by slope, tree size and type);Leave larger trees determined by slope, tree size and type);. Leave larger trees understory unless toppling hazard.** Reduce ladder fuels by pruning unless toppling hazard.** Reduce ladder fuels by pruning lower branches 6-15 ft up, or lower 1/3 of tree height on lower branches approximately 6 ft up, or lower 1/3 of tree trees smaller than 18 ft.. height on trees smaller than 18 ft.. Trim or thin only vegetation that does not provide protection to Trim or thin only vegetation that does not provide protection monarch butterfly aggregation sites* Thin small or unhealthy to monarch butterfly aggregation sites* Thin small or trees to approximately 10 ft. crown spacing. Leave larger unhealthy trees at 10-20 ft crown spacing (based on slope, Trees Overstory trees unless toppling hazard.** Reduce ladder fuels by tree size and type). Leave larger trees at 10 ft. crown with brush pruning lower branches approximately 6 ft up, or lower 1/3 of spacing unless toppling hazard.**( Reduce ladder fuels by understory tree height on smaller trees. In understory remove brush pruning lower branches 6-15 ft up, or lower 1/3 of tree ladder fuel. In non-canopied areas, noncontinuous patches of height on smaller trees In understory: remove brush ladder shrubs or small trees in openings is acceptable.. Methods fuel. Methods include masticating or hand-cutting. include masticating or hand-cutting.

*As determined by the Goleta City Project Manager overseeing mitigation work in consultation with a City approved monarch butterfly specialist and a City approved wildland fire specialist. **As determined by the Goleta City Project Manager and Goleta City arborist. ***For further information specific to homeowner/structure mitigation measures see Section 6.2.1.

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6.3.9 Example Fuels Modification and Resultant Fire Behavior The potential changes in fire behavior characteristics was assessed based on implementation of potential fuel treatments in the Ellwood Mesa VMU. All weather, fuel moisture, and topography parameters used in the original fire hazard assessment were used for this assessment. Utilizing the fuel treatment guidelines from Table 13 the fuel models were modified to reflect changes in fuel structure. The outputs of this assessment show a significant drop in surface fire flame lengths. In grasses, flame lengths dropped from almost 12 feet to just over 2 feet. In eucalyptus, flame lengths drop from just over 8 feet to just over 2 feet. Based on the Fire Suppression Interpretation Table (Table 9), wildfires that exhibit these fire behavior characteristics can generally be attacked at the flaming front or flanks of the fire by firefighters using hand tools. The ability of firefighters to take a direct attack on a wildfire as a result of these fuel treatments enhances the protection of structures and reduces the threat to natural and cultural resources. 6.3.10 Fuel Treatment Implementation Timing - Seasonality Once a site’s prescription has been identified (including fuel treatment type and design tactics as well as knowledge of the priority ranking) the next consideration is timing of implementation. Seasonal limitations include rainy weather, which causes soil/site conditions that are not conducive to mechanical work. Some limited manual work may be an option during these wet conditions on a site- by-site basis. The hottest driest time-periods may also be a limitation for mechanical work due to hot machinery (i.e. exhaust systems) causing a wildfire ignition in dry grass, or metal scraping on a rock and sending sparks into dry grassy fuels potentially igniting a wildfire. In many cases, mowing type work may be necessary two to four times a year. Mowing after June would have to be carefully considered on a case-by-case basis depending on the growth, fire danger, and site conditions. There are special operating circumstances in some of the designated ESHAs in Goleta. If a recommended fuel treatment falls within one of these areas, the project manager must strictly follow the guidelines specific to that ESHA. Regulatory information is found in the Goleta GP/CP and the City’s newly developed Monarch Butterfly Management Habitat Plan. The monarch butterfly ESHAs are of significance regarding fuel treatment priority in this CWPP. All work near butterfly aggregations areas is to be conducted between April 1 and September 15, outside of monarch butterfly overwintering season. Implementation work in the grove and habitat locations should be closely coordinated with a City-approved butterfly expert representative (or designee) and input from the SBCFD or a City- approved wildland fire specialist. GP/CP policy also specifies that vegetation management (i.e. fuels reduction work) should not be conducted during active nesting season of raptor species. 6.4 EVACUATION Evacuation is the responsibility of the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Department. During an emergency the County Sheriff will order citizens, business owners, and visitors to evacuate because of a threatening wildfire - everyone should leave in an orderly manner. The evacuation order will identify the preferred evacuation routes and safe sites. However, the need for evacuation can occur without notice when extreme conditions exist. Having a home disaster kit and preparedness plan is recommended.

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Additional information on evacuation can be found at:  www.sbcfire.com  http://redcrossla.org/news/red-cross-offers-wildfire-evacuation-tips 6.4.1 Vulnerable Populations It is imperative that individuals and caregivers with special needs have a preparedness plan for evacuation and proper care during a wildfire. Preparedness plans should include information on:  Needs for medications, equipment or special dietary needs.  Documentation about insurance and medical conditions should also accompany the person.  The need for caregivers and special vehicles moving into the area to help with evacuation may further complicate evacuation or emergency vehicle access or place additional people at risk without the proper education or training in what to do during a wildfire.  Have a transportation plan. Transportation available to the general public during an emergency evacuation may not be suitable for family members with special needs.  Many special needs populations are easily upset and stressed by sudden and frightening changes. Plans should ensure that a caregiver or trusted family member is able to stay with them at all times during an evacuation.  Preplan safe sites for these individuals for short and potential long term stays. 6.4.2 Pets Preparedness planning for pet’s life safety includes:  Plan to take animals and do not turn them loose.  Make sure dogs and cats wear properly fitted collars with identification, vaccination, microchip and license tags.  A pet evacuation plan should include routes, transportation needs and host sites. Share this plan with trusted neighbors.  Exchange veterinary information with neighbors and file a permission slip with the veterinarian authorizing emergency care for animals.  Make sure all vehicles and pet carriers needed for evacuation are serviced and ready to be used.  Assemble a pet to-go bag with a supply of food, non-spill food and water bowls, cat litter and box and a restraint (chain, leash or harness). Additional items to include are newspaper and paper towels, plastic bags, permanent marker, bleach/disinfectant solution and water buckets.  Evacuation shelters rarely accept pets; plan ahead to make sure pets will have a safe place to take refuge before a disaster strikes. If there is a no-pet policy, ask if this can be waived in the event of an emergency. Information for local shelters is available at www.petswelcome.com. For the potential for long-term stays, compile a list of boarding facilities. Additional information is available at www.redcross.org/www- files/Documents/pdf/Preparedness/checklists/PetSafety.pdf.

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6.5 FISCAL RESOURCES AND CONSTRAINTS The City is currently expending dollars to cover existing fuel treatments in the City’s open spaces. Upon completion and approval of the CWPP, the City will evaluate and prioritize the recommended work with the existing list of projects. Funding of these additional projects will be determined at that time. It is anticipated that the City will seek external funding sources (i.e. grants, stewardships, etc) to assist in implementation of required fire treatments when available. Budgetary constraints and uncertainty can make it difficult to reach the desired outcomes in a fuels management program. Although every agency is faced with budget constraints during difficult economic time-periods, it is during these times that managers can review program areas that touch on critical elements such as community safety. Goleta has a maintenance program in most developed park areas. The prescriptions recommended in the larger undeveloped areas are critical additions to this program. Staging of fuel treatments may be an approach that would allow progression toward the desired outcome even in a limited budget situation. This stages approach would be done working in high-priority designated areas first. 6.5.1 Grant and Stewardship Opportunities Although limited, grant opportunities exist for communities to implement CWPP projects. The California Fire Safe Council grants include wildfire prevention grant funds through the U.S. Forest Service, the Bureau of Land Management, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Parks Service. Grant funding may be used for hazardous fuels reduction and maintenance projects on non-federal land; to develop community risk assessments and CWPPs; and to provide education and outreach opportunities for landowners and residents in at-risk communities. Additional information is available at www.grants.firesafecouncil.org. Other grant and stewardship information is available at the following websites:  Partnership Resource Center - www.partnershipresourcecenter.org  California Stewardship Program - www.ceres.ca.gov/foreststeward/html/financial.html

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7. MAINTENANCE AND MONITORING

To ensure that fuel treatment actions remain effective it is recommended that the City establish a monitoring regimen. The importance of a sustainable monitoring program is often overlooked due to factors such as budget constraints or agency priority changes. Clearly, once the decision is made for the initial investment to plan and implement a fuel treatment project, the follow-up work to maintain a site is far less costly in time and funding. Policy changes, additions to open spaces or park areas, boundary changes, or other specific needs require a review of the CWPP. Flexibility is important in any review process to accommodate unexpected change or needs. 7.1 FUEL TREATMENT MONITORING Monitoring and evaluation of a treatment site establishes significant baseline data to draw on for decisions about maintenance treatment intervals as well as determining whether changes are needed in a site prescription. The primary aspects to consider in a fuel treatment monitoring program are type of monitoring/evaluation and interval of site visitation. 7.1.2 Fuel Treatment Maintenance A key component of the vegetation strategy is a reliable fuels treatment maintenance plan, which must be established in the planning phase of a treatment program. Success of fuel treatments is commonly measured by their long-term effectiveness. Due to consistent growth periods and changes in vegetation, a fuel treatment will become less effective over time. Therefore, revisiting the treatment areas at a determined time interval is essential to maintaining a site’s hazardous fuel reduction benefits. In all situations, dense stands of new brush and eucalyptus seedlings should be removed while they are small. The same tools - mechanical equipment, human-power, herbicide treatment, biological treatment, and prescribed fire used for initial removal and control of vegetation are also part of long- term maintenance actions (Green, 1977). In developing fuel treatment maintenance operations for Goleta, primary factors to be considered are fuel types, treatment extent, and economics.  Fuel Type: Each plant species has individual characteristics such as; growth rate, timing and amount of new growth, time of dormancy, age of maturity and overall lifespan. For the purposes of standard fuel maintenance planning, growth rates and amount of new growth are foremost considerations. Although some site-specific cases may require attention to the needs of individual plant species (i.e. some ESHAs or heritage sites), most area vegetation treatments can be broadly designated by fuel types, such as grasses/forbs, shrubs/brush, and trees. o Grasses/Forbs o Display earliest green-up and more rapid cycle to curing/drying of the fuel types. o Annual height of vegetation is directly dependent on quantity of precipitation. o Tend to be aggressive in their invasive tendencies. o When cured, have potential to sustain fast moving wildfire. o Treatments of mowing or weed whacking; often need multiple treatments in growing season.  Shrubs/Brush

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o Have a later season green-up and cure cycle than grasses/forbs o Annual amount of new growth is directly dependent on quantity of precipitation o Not normally found to be aggressive on the invasive scale o Driest in very late summer through late fall, can sustain severe fire behavior o Treatments of thinning or removal, mastication, trimming should be scheduled toward the end of the growing period (ie; mid to late summer). Sites should be visually monitored on an annual basis. Following initial treatment the interval may extend to 3 to 7 years depending on observed growth.  Trees/Timber o Green-up or growing period is quite variable with different species and whether deciduous or evergreen; likely more similar to that of shrub type than grass o Annual amount of new growth directly dependent on precipitation o Most species not aggressively invasive, exception is eucalyptus. ** o In driest season, overstocked or thick stands are susceptible to potential crown fire activity. o Treatments of thinning and pruning should be scheduled mid-summer. Sites should be visually monitored on an annual basis. Following initial treatment the interval may extend to 5 to 10 years depending on observed growth. **Note: A useful fuel maintenance procedure that may be applicable to any of the above fuel types is herbicide applications. However, Goleta City Staff must be consulted on this procedure due to site/area specific environmental regulations or restrictions regarding herbicide use.  Fuel Treatment Extent: Factors that comprise “extent” include the size, coverage, location of treatment area, and the degree or intensity of the vegetation removal. An acceptable maintenance schedule should incorporate these elements for each treatment area. o Size: In larger treatment areas, it may be important to schedule maintenance somewhat early in the field season to ensure the necessary work can be completed prior to the driest, high fire danger portion of the year. o Location: Treatment location can attribute to maintenance issues due to potential factors that may limit operating procedures. Riparian ESHAs, monarch butterfly ESHAs, and streamside corridors are all examples where treatments must follow specific procedures and timelines. The maintenance schedule will reflect the special circumstances for these sites that have environmentally sensitive issues. o Intensity/Degree: A common treatment scenario consists of more intensive fuel removal near the value at risk and less intensive as the distance increases. The scheduled treatment maintenance needs for these sites logically follow a gradient scale similar to that described in the established site intensity levels. The more intensive areas closer to the target value will fall into a higher maintenance level, shorter intervals, and more removal. o Economics: Incorporating a viable maintenance schedule is a critical component in the planning and development of a fuels treatment strategy. Substantial economic investments are necessary to establish fuels treatment areas, these investments can only be sustained if they are properly maintained on a regular basis. Establishing a fuels treatment program including a maintenance schedule is an important step forward for long-term community safety in Goleta. Fluctuating

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economics will necessitate staging of treatments, reviewing and following priorities, and continuing to watch for grant opportunities. 7.1.3 How to Conduct Monitoring There are numerous ways to conduct monitoring and evaluation of fuels treatments ranging from simple, straight-forward methods to more complex, elaborate techniques. In most cases, more complicated procedures are quickly abandoned and intricate equipment is more costly operation and upkeep. The recommendation is to incorporate a simple, easy-to-follow procedures utilizing simple inexpensive equipment. The following is an example of recommended equipment in a very basic monitoring/evaluation kit:  Map of Goleta’s VMU’s with Treatment Sites  Prescription table & info on known treatment/site  Clipboard with field notebook or writing pad  Pen/pencil  GPS (optional)  Tape measure  Digital Camera The following is an example of a monitoring/evaluation procedure during a site visit.  Mark their location on the map  Start an entry in their notepad/book o Date o Site VMU - name - # o GPS coordinates (optional) o Fuel type o Treatment method used  Take measurements of current growth heights (in grasses) or distances between sprouts in shrubs, seedling-trees,  Take photos All of this information should be saved in a file and is also recommended to be compiled in the electronic file system back at the office. The recommended interval for site monitoring may fluctuate with site variables such as fuel types, rainfall amounts, or other needs. It is important to understand that a fuel treatment monitoring interval is not the same as that in treatment maintenance. For instance, the maintenance interval of grass may be 3 times in a year whereas a monitoring visit may only be once. In the early stages of an established site fuel treatment, an annual visit to the site for the first 3 to 5 years is recommended. This annual interval may continue as needed depending on amount and consistency of growth rates of the vegetation or if the growth rates have slowed then the interval may be reduced to a site visit every other year. Developing a simple yet comprehensive monitoring and evaluation process in the vegetation management strategy is a very important and potentially useful step. There are several other avenues whereby the monitoring documentation can play a central part. The stored files of information become

78 | P a g e City of Goleta C o m m u n i t y Wildfire Protection Plan a record of the hazard reduction work, which is helpful for 1) validating fuel treatment management strategies, 2) new city staff will have a historical perspective of fuel treatments in parks and open- spaces, 3) various educational forums, and 4) providing ground-based data for grant application processes. 7.2 CWPP REVIEW RECOMMENDATIONS Change is inevitable. Any type of city planning document must be periodically reviewed and updated to maintain currency. This CWPP provides a solid informational foundation that supports a framework of science-based guidance and recommendations. In a routine review process, a plan’s strength and accessibility are characteristics that will simplify implementation of updates and changes. At a minimum, it is advised to conduct some level of review on this CWPP at a minimum of every 2 years.

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8. CONCLUSIONS SUMMARY

This CWPP addresses all requirements in the City’s General Plan/Coastal Land Use Plan and fulfills the goals and objectives in the City’s Strategic Plan. Through careful planning and implementation of the strategies provided in this CWPP, the wildfire threat to the City of Goleta will be substantially reduced. Protection of life safety and other values at risk will be greatly enhanced while still providing for the sustainability of natural resources. The protection of existing and future local natural resources, such as butterfly habitat, have been carefully considered and balanced in the proposed fuel reduction measures while still reducing the wildfire threat in these areas. Additionally, this CWPP fully meets the requirements of HFRA and places the City of Goleta in a position to apply for funding from federal and state agencies for the planning and implementation of projects recommended in this Plan.

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9. REFERENCES

Agee, J., Bahro., B., Finney, M., Omi, P., Sapsis, D., Skinner, C., van Wagtendonk, J., and Weatherspoon, C.J., 1999. The Use of Fuelbreaks in Landscape Fire Management. Forest Ecology and Management

Author unknown, 2005-2009 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates Data, http://factfinder.census.gov/servlet/ADPTable?_bm=y&-geo_id=16000US0630378&- qr_name=ACS_2009_5YR_G00_DP5YR2&-gc_url=&-ds_name=ACS_2009_5YR_G00_&-_lang=en&- redoLog=false

Author unknown, Report of the 2005-2006 Santa Barbara County Civil Grand Jury, Emergency Medical Response to Disaster, www.orfaleafoundations.org/default/?linkServID=705AEF28-26C9-420E- A31135968CB8B242&showMeta=2&ext=.pdf

Biological Sciences at Santa Barbara City College. 2010. Introduction to the Chaparral. Santa Barbara City College. http://www.biosbcc.net/b100plant/htm/fire.htm

Biology Dept. McDaniel College. 1999. Chaparral Ecology, Chaparral: California and Southwestern U.S. Maryland. http://www2.mcdaniel.edu/Biology/eco/fire99/chaparralecologyweb.htm

Bollig, S., Lynn, K., Resource Innovations, University of Oregon Institute for a Sustainable Environment, Guidelines for Conducting a Special Needs Emergency Management Assessment, May 2006

Butler, B., Cohen, J. D.; 2005, Field Verification of a Firefighter Safety Zone Model

California Department of Forestry and Fire Warden (CAL FIRE), 20 Largest California Wildland Fires (By Structures Destroyed), www.fire.ca.gov/communications/downloads/fact_sheets/20LSTRUCTURES.pdf

California Department of Forestry and Fire Warden (CAL FIRE), Characterizing the Fire Threat to Wildland–Urban Interface Areas in California, www.frap.fire.ca.gov/projects/wui/525_CA_wui_analysis.pdf

California Fire Alliance, www.cafirealliance.org, accessed April 2011

City of Goleta Planning and Environmental Services Dept. 2006. Goleta General Plan/Coastal Land Use Plan. Ch.6, p. 6-2 and 6-22. Planning and Environmental Services Department, Goleta, CA.

Cohen, J. D. 1995. Structure ignition assessment model (SIAM). In: Weise, David R.; Martin,

Robert E., technical coordinators. Proceedings of the Biswell symposium: fire issues and solutions in urban interface and wildland ecosystems. 1995 February 15-17; Walnut Creek, CA. Gen. Tech Rep. PSW-GTR-158. Albany, CA: Pacific Southwest Research Station, Forest Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture; 85-92.

Cohen, J. D., 2000. Preventing disaster: home ignitability in the wildland-urban interface. Journal of Forestry 98(3): 15-21.

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Cohen, J. D., 2000. “What is the Wildland Fire Threat to Homes?” Presented as the Thompson Memorial Lecture, April 10, 2000, School of Forestry, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ. Pp.1- 13.

Cohen, J.D.; Butler, B.W., 1998. Modeling potential ignitions from flame radiation exposure with implications for wildland/urban interface fire management. In: Proceedings of the 13th conference on fire and forest meteorology, vol. 1. 1996 October 27-31; Lorne, Victoria, Australia. Fairfield, WA: International Association of Wildland Fire; 81-86.

Esser, Lora L. 1993. Eucalytus globulus: Fire Effects Information System, [Online]. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station, Fire Sciences Laboratory. Accessed website 2011 www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/plants/tree/eucglo/all.html

Eucalyptus. (2008, August 29). New World Encyclopedia. Retrieved 02:53, March 17, 2011 from http://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Eucalyptus?oldid=794533.

Federal Emergency Management Agency, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, www.fema.gov/news/disasters.fema

Fire Ecology of Australian Eucalypts, Accessed www.biology.iastate.edu/InternationalTrips/1Australia/Australia%20papers/FireEcologyEucalypts.htm

Green, L., 1977. Fuelbreaks and Other Fuel Modification for Wildland Fire Control. Pacific Southwest Forest and Range Experiment Stn. Ag. Handbook #499.

Golden Gate NRA, Point Reyes National Seashore. 2006. Eucalyptus: A Transcontinental Legacy. National Park Service, U.S. Department of Interior. http://biomass.forestguild.org/casestudies/1001/Eucalyptus.pdf

Goldstein, C., et al., 2000. Historical Santa Barbara up in flames: a study of fire history and historical urban growth modeling

Hauser, A. S., 2006. Artemisia californica. In: Fire Effects Information System, [Online]. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station, Fire Sciences Laboratory (Producer). Available: http://www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/ [2011, April 25].

Keeley, J.E., and C.J. Fotheringham. 2001. Historic Fire Regime in Southern California Shrublands. Conservation Biology, Volume 15, No. 6.

Meade, PhD., Daniel E. . 2011. Monarch Butterfly Habitat Management Plan (Plan in progress). Althouse & Meade, Inc.

Mensing, S. A., Michaelsen, J., and R. Byrne., 1999. A 560-year record of Santa Ana fires reconstructed from charcoal deposited in the Santa Barbara Basin, California. Quaternary Research 51:295-305.

Ojerio, R. S. (2008). Equity in Wildfire Risk Management: Does Socioeconomic Status Predict Involvement in Federal Programs to Mitigate Wildfire Risk? (Master’s Thesis).

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Philpot, C. W. Seasonal changes in heat content and ether extractive content of chamise. Ogden, Utah: Intermt. For, and Range Exp. Stn., Forest Serv., U.S. Dep. Agric.: 1969; Res. Paper INT-61. 10 p.

Philpot, C. W.; Mutch, R.W., 1971. The seasonal trends in moisture content, ether extractives, and energy of ponderosa pine and Douglas-fir needles. Res. Pap. INT-102. Ogden, UT: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Intermountain Forest and Range Experiment Station. 21 p p.

Pinchot Institute for Conservation. 2002. An Introduction to the National Fire Plan, History, Structure and Relevance to Communities. Washington DC

Rancho Santa Fe Fire Department. 2010. Vegetation Management, Roadside Clearance. www.rsf- fire.org/prepare/vegetation/index.html#Top

Santa Barbara County Fire Department: www.sbcfire.com., (Personal Contact: Jodi Dyck – Public Education Officer)

Scott, J. H.; Burgan, R. E. 2005. Standard fire behavior fuel models: a comprehensive set for use with Rothermel's surface fire spread model. Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR-153. Fort Collins, CO: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station. 72 p.

State Board of Forestry and Fire Protection, California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. 2006. General Guidelines for Creating Defensible Space.

State of California Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan, California, Office of Emergency Services,

October 6, 2010, Available at: http://hazardmitigation.calema.ca.gov/plan/state_multi- hazard_mitigation_plan_shmp.

State Board of Forestry and Fire Protection and CAL FIRE. 2010. Strategic Fire Plan for California. Fire Plan Steering Committee. http://cdfdata.fire.ca.gov/pub/fireplan/fpupload/fpppdf668.pdf

Sugihara, N. Fire in California’s Ecosystems. 2006. (Intro; pps.xi, xiii, Ch 15 pps. 354, 357, 370). University of California Press.

URS Corporation, Draft Santa Barbara County Multi-Jurisdiction Hazard Mitigation Plan, November 16, 2004, Prepared for County of Santa Barbara.

Wildland Fire Leadership Council. 2008. Previous Wildland Fire Initiatives: National Fire Plan, Healthy Forest Initiative, Healthy Forest Restoration Act. www.forestsandrangelands.gov/resources/overview/

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10. APPENDICES

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Appendix A Glossary

1-Hour Timelag Fuels (a.k.a., one-hour fuels): Fuels consisting of dead herbaceous plants Fuels and roundwood less than about ¼ inch (6.4 mm) in diameter. Also included is the uppermost layer of needles or leaves on the forest floor.

10-Hour Timelag Fuels (a.k.a. ten-hour fuels): Dead fuels consisting of roundwood ¼ to l inch (0.6 to 2.5 cm) in diameter and, very roughly, the layer of litter extending from immediately below the surface to ¾ inch (1.9 cm) below the surface.

100-Hour Timelag Fuels (a.k.a., hundred-hour fuels): Dead fuels consisting of roundwood in the size range of 1 to 3 inches (2.5 to 7.6 cm) in diameter and very roughly the layer of litter extending from approximately ¾ of an inch (1.9 cm) to 4 inches (10 cm) below the surface.

1,000-Hour Timelag Fuels (a.k.a., thousand-hour fuels): Dead fuels consisting of roundwood 3 to 8 inches in diameter and the layer of the forest floor more than 4 inches below the surface.

Active Crown Fire: A fire in which a solid flame develops in the crowns of trees, but the surface and crown phases advance as a linked unit dependent on each other.

Adaptive management: An approach to management of natural resources that emphasizes how little is known about the dynamics of ecosystems and that as more is learned management will evolve and improve. Adaptive management proceeds despite this uncertainty by treating human interventions in natural systems as large-scale experiments from which more may be learned, leading to improved management in the future.

Aspect: Direction a slope faces.

Bioregion – A bio-geographical region or formation, a major regional ecological community characterized by distinctive life forms and principal plant and animal species.

Canopy Spacing: The distance from the edge of one tree canopy to another. Crown spacing varies from open (with 10 feet or more of space between tree canopies) to closed (where trees may be growing in very close proximity with little space between them).

Crown Fire: A fire that advances from top to top of trees or shrubs more or less independent of a surface fire. Crown fires are sometimes classed as running or dependent to distinguish the degree of independence from the surface fire.

Dead Fuels: Fuels with no living tissue in which moisture content is governed almost entirely by atmospheric moisture (relative humidity and precipitation), dry-bulb temperature, and solar radiation.

Direct Attack: A method of fire suppression where actions are taken directly along the fire’s edge. In a direct attack, burning fuel is treated directly, by wetting, smothering, or chemically quenching the fire or by physically separating burning from unburned fuel.

Ecosystem: A community of organisms and their physical environment interacting as an ecological unit.

Fire Behavior: The manner in which a fire reacts to the influences of fuel, weather, and topography.

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Fire Education: Activities to change behaviors and attitudes about fire ecology, wildland fire and the role of fire in natural resource management. Defines the purposes for actions that provide information about and improve understanding of wildland fire. Fire Frequency: Temporal fire occurrence described as a number of fires occurring within a defined area within a given time period.

Fire Front: The part of a fire within which continuous flaming combustion is taking place. Unless otherwise specified, the fire front is assumed to be the leading edge of the fire perimeter. In ground fires, the fire front may be mainly smoldering combustion.

Fire Intensity: A general term relating to the heat energy released by a fire.

Fire Potential: The likelihood of a wildland fire event measured in terms of anticipated occurrence of fire(s) and management’s capability to respond. Fire potential is influenced by a sum of factors that includes fuel conditions (fuel dryness and/or other inputs), ignition triggers, significant weather triggers, and resource capability.

Fire Regime: The characterization of fire’s role in a particular ecosystem, usually characteristic of particular vegetation and climatic regime, and typically a combination of fire return interval and fire intensity (i.e., high frequency, low intensity/low frequency, high intensity).

Fire Return Interval: The length of time between fires on a particular area of land

Fire Weather: Weather conditions that influence fire ignition, behavior, and suppression.

Flame Length: The distance from the base to the tip of the flaming front. Flame length is directly correlated with fire intensity.

Flaming Front: The zone of a moving fire where combustion is primarily flaming. Behind this flaming zone combustion is primarily glowing. Light fuels typically have a shallow flaming front, whereas heavy fuels have a deeper front.

Foehn Wind: A dry wind associated with wind flow down the lee side of a plateau or mountain range and with adiabatic warming. Santa Ana, Sundowner and Mono winds are examples.

Fuel: Any combustible material, which includes but is not limited to living or dead vegetation, human- built structures, and chemicals that will ignite and burn.

Fuelbreak: A natural or constructed discontinuity in a fuel profile that is used to isolate, stop, or reduce the spread of fire. Fuelbreaks may also make retardant lines more effective and serve as control lines for fire suppression actions.

Fuel Loading: The amount of fuel present expressed quantitatively in terms of weight of fuel per unit area.

Fuel Model: Mathematical descriptions of fuel properties (e.g. fuel load and fuel depth) that are used as inputs to calculations of fire danger indices and fire behavior potential.

Fuel Moisture Content: The quantity of moisture in fuels expressed as a percentage of the weight when thoroughly dried at 212 degrees Fahrenheit.

Fuel Type: An identifiable association of fuel elements of a distinctive plant species, form, size, arrangement, or other characteristics that will cause a predictable rate of fire spread or difficulty of control under specified weather conditions. 90 | P a g e City of Goleta C o m m u n i t y Wildfire Protection Plan

Goals: A goal is a broad statement of what you wish to accomplish, an indication of program intentions.

Ground Fire: Fire that consumes the organic material beneath the surface litter ground, such as a peat fire.

Intensity: The level of heat radiated from the active flaming front of a fire, measured in British thermal units (BTUs) per foot.

Ladder Fuels: Fuels that provide vertical continuity between strata, thereby allowing fire to carry from surface fuels into the crowns of trees or shrubs with relative ease. Ladder fuels help initiate and ensure the continuation of crowning.

Live Fuels: Living plants, such as trees, grasses, and shrubs, in which the seasonal moisture content cycle is controlled largely by internal physiological mechanisms, rather than by external weather influences.

Mediterranean Climate: The climate characteristic of the Mediterranean region and much of California. Typically hot, dry summers and cool, wet winters.

Objectives: They contribute to the fulfillment of specified goals and are measurable, defined, and specific.

Passive Crown Fire: Also called torching or candling. A fire in the crowns of trees in which single trees or groups of trees torch, ignited by the passing front of the fire.

Riparian: Situated or taking place along or near the bank of a watercourse.

Spotting: Refers to the behavior of a fire producing sparks or embers that are carried by the wind and start new fires beyond the zone of direct ignition by the main fire.

Strategy: The general plan or direction selected to accomplish incident objectives.

Structure Triage: The process of identifying, sorting, and committing resources to a specific structure.

Surface Fire: Fire that burns loose debris on the surface, which includes dead branches, leaves, and low vegetation.

Surface Fuels: Fuels lying on or near the surface of the ground, consisting of leaf and needle litter, dead branch material, downed logs, bark, tree cones, and low stature living plants.

Topography: Referred to as “terrain.” The term also refers to parameters of the “lay of the land” that influence fire behavior and spread. Key elements are slope (in percent), aspect (the direction a slope faces), elevation, and specific terrain features such as canyons, saddles, “chimneys,” and chutes.

Understory: Term for the area of a forest which grows at the lowest height level below the forest canopy. Plants in the understory consist of a mixture of seedlings and saplings of canopy trees together with understory shrubs and herbs.

Values at Risk: People, property, ecological elements, and other human and other intrinsic values within the City. Values at Risk are identified by stakeholders as important to the way of life in the City, and are particularly susceptible to damage from undesirable fire outcomes.

Wildland Fire Environment: The surrounding conditions, influences, and modifying forces of fuels, topography, and weather that determine wildfire behavior.

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Appendix B Public Questions, Issues, and Comments

Public comments were solicited at the beginning of the Community Wildfire Protection Plan and Monarch Butterfly Habitat Management Plan planning processes. The community was invited through numerous methods including post cards sent to each address in the City, media, and the City’s website to provide those interested the opportunity to address issues, concerns, and offer suggestion for the development of the plan, a public workshop was scheduled for February 23, 2011 at 6:00 PM at the Goleta Valley Community Center. In addition, information and solicitation to garner input for both plans were presented on the City of Goleta’s website. The development of goals, objectives, and values for the CWPP were developed based on the issues important to stakeholders. All of the comments collected at the public meeting and emails sent to City Staff concerning issues relative to the proposed plan is summarized in tables below. A detailed discussion of these comments have been carefully considered and incorporated where appropriate into the plan. Each individual in attendance at the public meeting were given 4 “dots” to place on a poster allowing them to identify their personal key issues. The following table summarizes the “dots” which identifies the issues for those in attendance. “Communities Concern Dot Chart”

Topic Number Protection of Homes and Neighborhoods 27 Protection of Natural and Historic Resources 15 Protection of Critical Infrastructure 12 Protection of Environmentally Sensitive Habitat Areas 20 Protection of Municipal Property (Community Center, Hospitals, City Hall, Library, Open Spaces etc.) 11 Protection of Sensitive Species Habitats (Monarch Aggregation sites, wetlands etc.) 27 Protection of Vulnerable Populations (Senior Centers, Disabled) 5 Protection of Recreation Uses (Trails, Open Spaces. Parks, Picnic areas) 14 Protection of Commercial and Industrial Zones 3

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Table 1. Emailed Comments:

Number Comment Response “We still have large piles of fire fuel right next to our houses from the The expressed issues and concerns have been forwarded to City Representatives and trees that fell. That material is getting dryer and more hazardous every are outside the scope of work for the CWPP. Please contact the Goleta Community day. We, myself and the neighbors, would sincerely appreciate it if Services Department for additional information. you would send a crew to chip the material and distribute the chips in EC-1 a careful sort of way - probably as a kind of pathway material. In addition to safety we all (the neighbors) tend care about the appearance of the park in proximity to our properties. So foresightful plan on where to shoot the chips is appreciated.” “Most recently several very large trees have fallen in the heavy rains. This problem should be taken up with a representative of Goleta City Staff as it is outside Fortunately they angled south east rather than directly east. They still the scope of the CWPP. took out the electric lines with a hug spark and came close to my neighbor's house. The electric company only cleared enough to fix the power and left. The remaining rubble is a huge eye sore, it encumbers EC-2 the path for people in the park - and it is rapidly drying out and adding to the fuel burden right adjacent to the neighborhood. Most of the large trees along the east boundary are such that they could easily fall directly east. This is of course, as you mention below a significant liability. I am sure there are many points of view.” “The completely unannounced clearing of the fire lane. People in the In the fuel treatment prescriptions, any trees or shrubs that are removed would not be left area were surprised, given your note below about keeping us on the ground as that would just add to the hazard fuel problem. Some options to informed, that there was no notice. My guess is that notice would have consider for the waste material are utilization (if there is a viable market such as firewood, raised a cry against the clearing from some. However, I think that even small wood materials, chips) or hauled to an off-site location for burning or disposal or the most resistant to any sort of management are glad that a fire truck chipped and spread on-site. Cleaning up waste material from earlier actions is a good can now get through. There is a problem with this though - it was idea that would need to be assessed by the project implementation manager. EC-3 done in such a way that the contractor left many places where prolific sprouts are blooming some at ground level some in the trees. So while See CWPP, Chapter 6.3.5 – 6.3.8 for recommendations for fuel treatment activities. the clearing is probably good, the remnants that increase the liability are not. Kindly let me know to what extent the downed trees will be removed AND, at that time can we please eliminate some of the mistakes of the earlier clearing.” “I intend, and I think everyone in the area does too, to cooperate The support from yourself and surrounding neighbors of the community are an important toward that necessary compromise. We don't think it is wise to wait in step toward adopting a CWPP that provides guidance to assist homeowners, fire-fighters either the case of fire or in the case of falling trees. Several of the and natural resources. Your cooperation is appreciated by all involved. neighbors with small children have calculated that a falling tree would EC-4 crush their child's bedroom. No one wants to see that eventuality. Please see CWPP, Chapter 1.4 CWPP Process and 1.4.1 Collaborative Approach. Others with experience with fire say that our houses would simply explode from the heat of a fire, even if no ember were to catch. That is pretty scary.”

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“There is a rumor that our insurance companies are going to refuse to An approved CWPP and implementation of fuel treatments that meet the intent of EC-5 insure our homes. That is a concern too.” California’s PRC-4291 could be beneficial in issues with home-owner’s insurance. This CWPP is the first step in addressing these concerns but it is only a plan. The critical “And, the US Geological Survey multi hazards demonstration project part of any plan is the implementation. Once approved, the community can begin has now determined that more fire risk and the likelihood of large EC-6 implementing the vegetation/fuels treatment strategies to proactively reduce the high storms and wind have raised the liability in extent. Clearly, timely and hazard/high risk wildfire potential in Goleta. proactive responsiveness will be in everyone's interest.” See Chapter 1.2 for CWPP Goals and Objectives. “A resident whose dwelling backs up to Ellwood North has mentioned For questions regarding plans for work, please contact the Goleta Planning & the City has plans to cut the existing (eastern) boundary back 100 feet Environmental Services Department at 805.961.7500. EC-7 from property lines. I want to know who to contact at the City about the whole issue of cutting, debris removal or any other fire-related changes contemplated for Ellwood's eucalyptus stands.” “This December, at least 5 of these trees fell down. By sheer luck, Hazard tree safety is an important issue but should not be confused with wildland fire there was little property damage, but had other trees fallen, property potential and those safety issues addressed in the CWPP objectives.” To report concerns and lives would have been at risk. As I write this, I look out at a similar of Hazard tress or to check the status of a submitted concern, please contact the Goleta tree that could smash right into my daughter's room while she sleeps. Community Services Department at (805) 961-7500. She sees this tree swinging during the winds and is legitimately afraid (terrified). The dangerous trees are only along the edge of the large grove. Only at the edge are they within falling distance to our bedrooms, but they also grow unusually large and unstable from the gardening water they drink from our yards. (The unusually enhanced EC-8 height of the edge-trees is easily visible by the width and shadows if you view 235 Pebble Beach Drive from zillow.com.) Eucalyptus trees have very shallow roots and become unstable at these abnormal heights. Each winter when the ground is moist, we're at increased risk. Being shorter in the past, the trees didn't pose this danger when many people purchased their homes, but without the rights to trim the trees, our safety is in your hands. I don't mean to be dramatic by that, but this aspect of our safety really is in your hands, and any homeowner would trim similar trees on their own property to mitigate such an obvious and serious risk. “ “These highly flammable trees on the edge of the grove also pose the A careful assessment of the fire environment in this vicinity is part of the CWPP’s fuel greatest fire hazard to our houses by blocking fire engine access, and treatment implementation process. Prescriptions have been developed that do involve at the same time bringing searing heat that much closer to our homes some thinning, understory or ladder fuel removal and surface fuel clean-up in grove areas if a fire breaks out. My understanding is that regulations indicate that that are adjacent to development. In areas specified as being close to butterfly EC-9 this fire hazard must be mitigated. All of us living here cherish this aggregation sites, Dr Meade or an appointed representative would be involved in review special land and seek the most environmentally sensitive solution. We and monitoring of implementation stages. Please see CWPP, Chapter 6.3.5 – 6.3.11. have ideas we'd like to share, but the basic idea is to do the obvious - trim the trees along the edge.”

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“1. Management -- Part of the "deal" when the new city of Goleta A management plan for Goleta’s monarch butterfly habitat is currently being authored negotiated to "trade" land for a housing project between Pebble Beach under the direction of Dr. Dan Meade who is the local expert. For further information on and the Sand Piper Golf Course, there was to be a number of things open space planning or plan approval timelines, contact the Goleta Planning & included in the plan that have not been evident. Environmental Services Department at 805.961.7500 Key Item 1 - there was to be a grove management plan and an open EC-10 space management plan because the grove and surrounding area is a huge resource, location of numerous Monarch overwintering sites as well as lots of down wood and terribly unhealthy leaning trees that fall. Please address the status of the management for the grove and perhaps the surrounding open areas. We want to know what happened to that planning.” “2. The Fire Lane -- normal annual maintenance - It was good to have This type of work does require adequate oversight to ensure proper disposal or clean-up the fire lane cleared but the contractor who did it was fairly lacking in of any treated fuels. The city staff is aware of the potential sprouting problem that can some skills so that many of the smaller trees were cut as much as 6 develop after tree removal. Project management will address the potential on a site-by- inches above the ground and they have robustly "bloomed" with site basis and evaluate the best solution (ie, utilizing a stump-grinder). suckers that are now a new fire hazard. These stumps should be managed at the time of the maintenance with known technologies for This CWPP includes recommendations on what to do to resolve future issues. Please eliminating regrowth. The same is true of unprofessional cuts in larger see Chapter 6.3.5 – 6.3.8. EC-11 tress that have now also got "sucker blooms" that are contributing to the hazard that was supposed to be limited. The company that did the work was actually dumping the cut material back in the woods and it required myself and other neighbors to complain so that they actually did the chipping portion of the job. Key Item 2: Please explore how to be sure that when routine maintenance is done that it be done well and supervised carefully - let the community know about the solution.” “3. The fire and wind hazard of the proximity of the treeline and a Hazard tree safety is an important issue but should not be confused with wildland fire possible solution. Fire is an issue, but so is the problem of falling trees. potential and those safety issues addressed in the CWPP objectives.” To report concerns We recently experienced the falling -- like dominoes -- of 5-6 huge of Hazard tress or to check the status of a submitted concern, please contact the Goleta trees which clipped power lines. They did not hit houses and no one Community Services Department at (805) 961-7500. EC-12 was injured due to the fact that they fell mostly southward. Had they fallen eastward several people in proximal bedrooms would possibly be filing suits for injury or loss of life and property damage. It was pretty dramatic.” “There are two camps on solving this --- "cut everything to create The vegetation/fuel treatment strategy contains prescriptions, by fuel type and location defensible space" and "don't you dare cut one of those trees ever". We within the edge or boundary buffer of an area, that reduce potential wildfire severity in already know that neither of these views is going to get 100% of its strategic locations. In most locations, the emphasis is on the removal of understory or EC-13 hoped for outcome. One solution is to split the difference and cut 1/2 ladder fuels and clearing the heavy pockets of downed fuels. Tree thinning is also a of the material between the current edge and the most radical treatment to be utilized in areas where the stand density is a wildfire problem. Please see proposed new boundary. This would be an overly stark solution.” CWPP, Chapter 6.3.5 – 6.3.8.

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“There is another solution that is essentially the same idea - create a The description given here is similar to the thinning, understory removal and ground verigated border. Remove numerous trees however leave a few of the clearing that does apply to some of the fuel treatment recommendation guidelines. It is "heritage trees". Along that Eastern Boundary of the Park there are a important to understand that there are variations in the treatments depending on the number of really beautiful large trees. What makes them the most locations, values at risk and sensitive habitat concerns. Please see CWPP, Chapter 6.3.5 hazardous is the fact that there are so many PLUS all the dead/fuel – 6.3.8. that is around them. So to keep it simple for now I am advocating that The safety issue of falling trees is a separate ‘hazard tree’ issue. It might be attended to at the planning team investigate cutting some sections back to perhaps the same time as the fuel treatments, but it must be identified, planned and cleared EC-14 75 ft from the houses, but that occasional larger trees be left nearer to through Goleta city staff in advance. the homes, but more isolated -- eliminating the challenge of a "wall of flames". In addition this same logic could be used regarding trees at risk for falling and damaging property or creating injuries. Of course the removal of trees at the East Border of the grove would need to be mitigated with the planing of new trees on the West Border.” “Item 3 - Please let us know how the planning, for this will go and Part of the collaborative process will be a public review period. Once the completed draft provide us with information which allows for reaching a collaborative CWPP has been reviewed by city officials, it will be posted on their website for a 30-day EC-15 decision on a compromise between the "cut all" and the "cut nothing" public review and comment period. Please see CWPP, Chapter 1.4 CWPP Process and contingencies.” 1.4.1 Collaborative Approach. “investigation of potential tire prevention and mitigation measures for Good points are made in this description. Implementing fuel treatment measures that the Santa Barbara Shores Park western eucalyptus grove (see reduce fire severity potential will provide a buffered edge to portions of the eucalyptus previous correspondence below). A fire safety buffer zone is groves allowing for safer fire-fighter access. The CWPP has a realm of recommendations desperately needed between this dense eucalyptus grove (see that can improve the current scenario. attached photos) and the adjacent homes in the Santa Barbara Shores neighborhood. I have heard informally that one proposal has been to EC-16 plant native oak trees (which apparently offer some fire resistance) between the grove and the adjacent homes. I encourage you to view this brief video clip that visualizes how eucalyptus groves can pose extreme fire dangers: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S 1 FWmHoEsiY Thank you, in advance, for your consideration of this important fire safety issue.”

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“About a year ago I emailed you regarding an area of extreme fire Good points are taken in this descriptive account. The Gap Fire was a more recent ‘wake- hazard in Goleta: the western section of the Santa Barbara Shores up call’ as to the scary reality and potential destruction that accompanies a severe wildfire Park eucalyptus grove. I am forwarding that email to you again (see event. The hazard posed by thick flammable fuels adjacent to values at risk is a factor below). To my knowledge, in the past year there have been no actions that can and should be mitigated to reduce the threat posed by wildfire. The old taken to mitigate this extreme risk to life and property. dead/down material should definitely be cleared during the implementation phase of fuel During the recent Gap Fire, had there been stronger sundowner treatment measures in that vicinity. Please see CWPP, Chapter 6.3.5 – 6.3.8. winds, and if the south edge of the fire progressed further, there would have been a real possibility than a wind blown ember could have ignited the eucalyptus grove. As I noted a year ago, once a fire ignites in the grove, given the about of extremely flammable, densly packed fuel there, it seems likely that the entire grove would be on fire in a short amount of time. Given the density of the grove, and the inaccessibility of the interior portions of it, EC-17 even a rapid response by firefighters would likely be to late to avoid a conflagration in the grove, and the likely loss at least several of the houses that are adjacent to it by only several feet. Again, I implore you to take preventative mitigation efforts to avoid such a scenario. At a minimum, the dry piles of duff and dead and fallen trees need to be removed. The grove itself needs to be trimmed back adjacent to the houses by at least 25 feet (or more), and an emergency vehicle access road between the houses and the grove needs to be created. We managed to "dodge a bullet" with the recent Gap Fire given the relatively calm wind conditions. I hope we can continue to do so with respect to the western eucalyptus grove by taking preventative measures now.”

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“Re: Request for an investigation of potential fire prevention and The wildfire modeling outputs in this area were at the very high to extreme end of the mitigation measures for an area scale. This CWPP does acknowledge the hazards posed to adjacent residences as well of extreme fire danger in Goleta: the Santa Barbara Shores Park as to the monarch butterfly habitat within the groves. The recommended treatment western eucalyptus grove. prescriptions take into consideration distances from values at risk as well as site specific There is an area within Goleta city limits that appears to pose a very variables and may require adjustment or specialist input. Clean-up of the dead-downed significant fire risk: the western section of the Santa Barbara Shores material is a basic and important step in reducing fire behavior characteristics. The eucalyptus grove. My concern is that a fire there could rapidly escalate CWPP guidance supports the 100 ft defensible space laws in PRC-4291. Please see into a fire storm, which, depending on the wind direction, could result CWPP, Chapter 5 and Chapter 6.3.5 – 6.3.8. in a conflagration in the adjacent Santa Barbara Shores neighborhood, as well as the Ellwood neighborhood beyond to the east. If winds were blowing from the east, the new Bluffs neighborhood development might be showered with burning eucalyptus leaves. This grove is composed of very tall and densely packed eucalyptus trees, and within it are many fallen and dead trees (see attached photos). The floor of the grove has literally decades (or a century?) of accumulated dry undergrowth (or "duff") that appears to be a highly flammable carpet several inches deep. EC-18 These eucalyptus trees are not indigenous to this area (it is my understanding that they were planted as a commercial lumber harvest). Also, this western grove is some distance away from the monarch butterfly preserve. The fire safety buffer zone between the houses along Pebble Beach Drive and the western grove appears extremely deficient -- it is perhaps only 10 - 15 feet in places. Some of the eucalyptus tree branches appear to extend over the backyards of some of the adjacent houses. I have heard from informal conversations with fire fighters that given this extreme fire threat a fire safety buffer zone should be at least 100 feet. Were a fire to occur in the grove it appears to me that it would be extremely difficult for fire fighters to get to the interior parts of the grove if the outer sections were also on fire. Fire suppression in the interior of the grove during an intense fire might require water dropping aircraft. I have been told that just the radiant heat from such a fire would be so extreme and that it would be sufficient to ignite fires in the adjacent houses.” “The grove is sometimes visited by homeless people, as well as Your observations are to be applauded as they show your awareness to potential ignition beach-goers who park in the Santa Barbara Shores Park parking lot, sources in the area. This type information should be reported to a Santa Barbara County EC-19 and who walk along the side of, or into, the grove to access the bluffs Fire Department (SBCFD) fire prevention representative. Public use is addressed in the and the beach. Sometimes they bring fireworks or discard cigarettes.” CWPP whereby addressing wildfire risk. Please see CWPP, Chapter 5.4.

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I am a layperson with respect to fire prevention and suppression, You are right on target with your wildfire mitigation ideas. The fuel treatment however, the following actions would seem to me to be appropriate to recommendations in this CWPP reflect understory or ladder fuel removal and dead- investigate as possible ways to mitigate this fire risk: downed fuel clean-up as well as some level of thinning adjacent to homes. Please see EC-20 1. Clean the decades worth of accumulated "duff" (undergrowth) from CWPP, Chapter 6.3.5 – 6.3.8. the floor of western grove. 2. Widen the fire buffer safety zone between the western grove and the adjacent houses.” “3. Develop a fire department action plan should there be a report of a This is outside the scope of the CWPP. Please contact the Santa Barbara County Fire EC-21 fire in the grove, which would include rapid deployment of water Department who can address responses at (805) 681-5528. They can provide dropping air support.” information on their response plans. “4. Inform the adjacent neighborhood residents of the serious potential The Santa Barbara County Sheriff is responsible for evacuation. Please see Chapter 6.1 EC-22 fire danger, develop a reverse 911 resident notification plan, and Community Preparedness for information on Goleta City and Santa Barbara County develop a neighborhood evacuation plan.” Programs such as Goleta City Alert, Community Emergency Response Team, etc. “With respect to environmental issues: to my knowledge there are no These observations and information are well stated and comprise a foundational element monarch butterfly nesting sites in the western grove. It is also my of the CWPP – balancing competing interests while providing critical safety measures for understanding that the monarch grove located in San Luis Obispo has all. Please see CWPP, Chapter 1.2 Goals and Objectives. had its carpet of undergrowth removed as a fire prevention effort, with no adverse effects to the butterflys there. Of course, the worst possible EC-23 environmental outcome imaginable would be the loss of the entire grove due to fire. In a balancing of competing interests -- environmental concerns vs. fire safety -- it seems to me that the possible loss of property, injuries, and even loss of life during what world likely be a firestorm in the grove should weigh heavily in decision-making regarding this issue.” “Another concern is possible legal liability by the city should losses This is definitely a valid concern. Adopting the CWPP and initiating a program to EC-24 occur due to significant fire risk factors that were known but remained implement a fuels strategy is the first step. unmitigated.” “Perhaps an investigative committee might be formed to study these This CWPP and the Monarch Butterfly Habitat Management Plan will cover the above EC-25 issues and report back to the Goleta Council and the SB County Fire issues. Please review both plans during the 30-day comment period to ensure they have Department with recommendations.” been addressed adequately. “Here are a few items that I think the Plan should include: Specific adjustments in fuel treatment parameters have been developed for the butterfly 1. Protection and conservation for monarch butterfly overwintering and aggregation sites in the vicinity of developments. Maintaining the wind sheltering effect in autumnal sites. Include an appropriate buffer to exclude encroaching the area of an aggregation site is a primary emphasis. These prescription adjustments disturbances to sites. The locations chosen for overwintering and were designed collaboratively with Dr. Meade who should also be involved in the autumnal sites are so specific that a protection measure against any implementation stages. Please see CWPP, Chapter 6.3.5 – 6.3.10. pruning of trees or any tree removal in the entire grove would be beneficial to the longevity of a site. Pruning or removing even the EC-26 trees along the periphery of an overwintering site could disrupt wind patterns through the grove and render the site unsuitable to monarch clusters. Several conditions need to be present for a grove to be suitable for an overwintering or autumnal site that more resources should go towards protecting known sites than creating new sites or mitigating for the removal of trees or a grove. Although planting trees is always a good thing to do.”

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“2. Include California native milkweed plants in City landscaping and This is outside the scope of the CWPP. Suggest taking this idea to Dr Meade. habitat restoration projects. Caterpillar rearing habitat is an important element to monarch butterfly habitat management and conservation. This idea could be taken a step further to include the protection and EC-27 conservation of native milkweed plants and native milkweed habitat. Include a mitigation ratio for acreage and habitat restoration requirements for disturbances, negative impacts and removal of caterpillar rearing habitat by future development projects.” “3. Annual study of monarch butterfly population at overwintering and This is outside the scope of the CWPP. Suggest taking this idea to Dr. Meade. EC-28 autumnal sites in the area.”

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Table 2. Public Meeting Comments from Stations/Tables: Number Comment Response Hazard tree safety is an important issue but should not be confused with wildland fire potential and those safety issues addressed in the CWPP PM-1 Leaning tress within the groves are a safety hazard objectives.” To report concerns of Hazard tress or to check the status of a submitted concern, please contact the Goleta Community Services Department at (805) 961-7500. Per discussion with Dr. Meade on this subject, there lacks scientific evidence PM-2 Is downed fuel a positive feature of butterfly habitat? that the downed fuel plays a significant role in butterfly habitat. Further inquiry on this subject should be directed to Dr Meade. Through careful work with Dr. Meade, some treatment adjustments are prescribed for focused areas near aggregation sites to maintain the wind- sheltering effect on the edges. In most cases ladder fuels or understory PM-3 Edge and understory vegetation should be retained as part of the plan vegetation in the first 30+ ft. buffer poses the biggest wildfire hazard to the grove and to incoming suppression personnel. Please see CWPP, Chapter 6.3.4 – 6.3.10. Questions regarding the Goleta General Plan regulations should be posed to City Staff. Throughout this process, we have worked closely with Dr Meade who is a well- respected authority on monarch butterflies and is authoring the Monarch No removal of vegetation within the monarch ESHA. Action is PM-4 Butterfly Habitat Management Plan. The recommended treatment is primarily prohibited by the Goleta General Plan. within the edges of the groves near developed areas. The prescribed treatments could potentially protect the grove as well as nearby homes from a destructive wildfire situation. The recommendations have been reviewed collaboratively with butterfly expertise. Please see CWPP, Chapter 6.3.4 – 6.3.10. Hazard tree safety is an important issue but should not be confused with wildland fire potential and those safety issues addressed in the CWPP Large trees along the edge of the habitat areas are falling into homes, PM-5 objectives.” To report concerns of Hazard tress or to check the status of a onto private property and through Edison power lines submitted concern, please contact the Goleta Community Services Department at (805) 961-7500. Defensible space is the space between a structure and the wildland area or neighboring structures that, under normal conditions, creates a sufficient buffer to slow or halt the spread of a wildfire to a structure. Defensible space protects a PM-6 What is defensible space? structure from direct flame impingement, radiant heat, and some burning embers and is essential for structure survivability during wildfires. In California, citizens are required to follow 100’ defensible space guidelines specified in PRC-4291. A 40 to 50 foot set-back from property lines abutting Ellwood The fuel treatment prescription guidelines in the vicinity of the Ellwood PM-7 eucalyptus grove is adequate. Currently there is no set-back eucalyptus grove are designed to reduce fire behavior characteristics adjacent to requirement homes/property boundaries. Please see CWPP, Chapter 6.3.4 – 6.3.8.

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If this grassland area goes right up to the residential property, it could pose a Is the native grassland restoration area next to a home a fire hazard? PM-8 wildfire threat. A mowing treatment following the defensible space guidelines Should this area be mowed? would be advisable. Please see CWPP, Chapter 6.3.4 – 6.3.8. Per discussion with Dr. Meade on this subject, there lacks scientific evidence What is the contribution of downed fuel in maintaining the ideal PM-9 that the downed fuel plays any significant role in ‘ideal’ butterfly habitat. Further butterfly habitat? inquiry on this subject should be directed to Dr Meade. PM-10 Does the habitat need to be eucalyptus? Good question; it would best be deferred to the butterfly expert, Dr. Meade. This question appears to be of a subjective nature and would depend on the Is expansion of the current habitat necessary to enhance the positive PM-11 perspective of ‘positive characteristics’. If the intent of the question is science- characteristics of the area based, it should be directed to Dr. Meade. The fuel treatment recommendations in eucalyptus groves identified as butterfly habitat focus primarily on sections that are a direct threat to adjacent developments. This strategy Lack of eucalyptus woodland management is creating dense, supports PRC-4291 defensible space law, reducing structure ignitability (CWPP, Chapter PM-12 overgrown trees that are dying and posing a fire threat. How can the 6.2), and recommends treatments that reduce potential fire severity in critical locations groves be managed and still protect butterfly habitat? and promote fire-fighter safety. Safer access into an area can facilitate successful suppression action to protect homes and resources/habitat. Please see CWPP, Chapter 6.3.4 – 6.3.10. The fire modeling weather was calculated at the 90th percentile and included temperature, Expand on the weather parameters used to generate the fire modeling relative humidity, wind speed & direction, and fuel moistures. These parameters were PM-13 information displayed during the meeting based off actual data from the Montecito RAWS. Please see Chapter 5 and Appendix C for additional information. Fire history along the immediate coastal strip may be different from The fire history layer was from a comprehensive statewide database that covered the PM-14 what was presented at the meeting. The grove location is only a few entire California landmass including the coastal strip. Please see the Fire History Map, in hundred feet from the water. Chapter 5. Hazard tree safety is an important issue but should not be confused with wildland fire Leaning trees along the edge of the grove presents a hazard of falling potential and those safety issues addressed in the CWPP objectives.” To report concerns PM-15 into the homes immediately adjacent to the grove of Hazard tress or to check the status of a submitted concern, please contact the Goleta Community Services Department at (805) 961-7500. Feathered edge with “heritage trees” along the edges of the grove Both factors, feathered edges and leaving larger trees, are incorporated into the CWPP PM-16 would be a preferred vegetation treatment style treatment prescription design. Please see CWPP, Chapter 6.3.4 – 6.3.8. Good point. The citizens of Goleta are definitely community stakeholders; the plan PM-17 The stakeholder group should acknowledge the citizens of Goleta includes all stakeholders including citizens. Land stewardship requirements based on how the area was acquired This type information should be reflected in the Goleta General Plan and should be PM-18 by the city needs to be researched as it could effect what can be done reviewed prior to treatment implementation. Site-specific limitations or guidance may with the area require some treatment prescription adjustment measures. Expand the grove westerly to compensate for any loss of habitat next This has been suggested and has been part of an ongoing cooperative discussion to the homes. That way all Edison tree trimming and defensible space between the butterfly and wildfire experts are occurring but is outside the scope of the PM-19 work can be accomplished without impacting the overall size of the CWPP. grove “Defensible Space” protocol is specifically defined in PRC-2491 and is an enforced by Develop specific “urban” defensible space standards which would be law. These standards are incorporated in the CWPP as well as treatment PM-20 different from a wildland standards or interface standards. Integrate recommendations for undeveloped areas. The city staff is the contact for integrating these “urban” standards within the urban forest management plan these standards into other plans. Please see CWPP, Chapter 6.3.4 – 6.3.8. 103 | P a g e City of Goleta C o m m u n i t y Wildfire Protection Plan

Debris clearing is included in the plan fuel treatment prescriptions. If a water channel falls Consider clearing debris from water channels to assure water flow PM-21 within the prescribed treatment zone area it may be considered for clearing. Please see through the groves and prevent flooding from damaging/killing trees. CWPP, Chapter 6.3.4 – 6.3.8. The CWPP is developed to assess wildfire potential and prescribe mitigation strategy that PM-22 Butterflies are as important as “structures” will reduce wildfire threat to values at risk. It is not a comparison of the values at risk. Fuel reduction measures are recommended for the high risk areas, including Ellwood Clear high risk areas along Ellwood Mesa 40 to 50 feet from the edge Mesa. The prescribed treatments are designed to reduce fire behavior, specifically where PM-23 of private property the wildland vegetation is adjacent to developed areas. Please see CWPP, Chapter 6.3.4 – 6.3.8. There will be a review/comment period prior to plan approval. You are encouraged to Concerned the property owners adjacent to open space areas won’t review the recommendations regarding treatments. Basically the plan follows defensible PM-24 have an equal voice concerning development of treatments. space laws. In areas near developments that have higher severity fire potential, the plan Adjacency equals high potential for fire impacts. recommends expanding the treatment buffer. Please see CWPP, Chapter 6.3.4 – 6.3.8. This is a good idea and viable option that should be considered if/when there is removal PM-25 City should consider selling wood to generate revenue. of trees large enough to generate revenue. This has been forwarded to City staff for review. This may be a viable consideration and depends on budget constraints. City Consider using tree trimming companies to do the “work” in exchange PM-26 management has knowledge as to how well this would work as they already have a tree for the wood generated from the fire treatment activity. maintenance program. Edison should be required to bury the power lines along Ellwood Mesa Recommend bringing this up with City Staff and the local power company. PM-29 to limit the potential of an ignition caused by a tree falling through their wires.

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Appendix C Fire Behavior Modeling Methodology

The landscape file: The .lcp file was obtained from the Wildland Fire Decision Support System using the California the 08/27/2010 update to capture the effects of wildfires on fuels through December 2009. This .lcp file captures all recent significant wildland fire activity in the vicinity of the city. Data resolution for this landscape is 30 meters.

While representing the best available data, the landscape was not wholly correct. A field visit was conducted on 01/17/2011 to determine where and how to modify the .lcp file to better reflect conditions on the ground. The following is a list of substantive changes, which were incorporated into the landscape. Some minor modifications (5 or less pixels) were made which are not deemed important to the overall fire behavior outputs yielded by the .lcp.

Substantive changes

 Many eucalyptus groves especially in the Ellwood Mesa region were miss classified as ‘Urban – unburnable FM 91” even though these features are clearly identifiable on Google Earth and other imagery. These groves of eucalyptus were reclassified using the FARSITE landscape editor to Timber Understory 5 (TU5 or Fuel Model 165). This fuel model provides the best opportunity to capture crown fire activity and the associated spotting with the fire behavior models used. The following stand characteristics were build into the .lcp file for the eucalyptus groves:

o Canopy cover - 60% o Canopy height - 20 meters o Canopy base height – 0.1 meters o Canopy bulk density – 0.625 kg/m3

 Avocado orchards on the north of the city had significant leaf litter which could under more severe weather conditions support fire spread. The original .lcp file classified the orchards correctly as “Agricultural – unburnable – FM 93”. However, in order to account for the flammable nature of the leaf litter. Google Earth imergy was used to identify the orchard locations and approximately 40% of the orchards were reclassified to FM 162, TU2. This change had little observable change to the modeled fire behavior, as the fuel type does not support significant fire activity. No spotting from this fuel type occurred during the modeling.

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 Stow Grove Park was classified as “Urban – unburnable”, the area was mostly changed to 181 - TL1, to reflect the Redwood litter and other tightly compacted surface litter (chipped material). Grass areas within the Park were retained as unburnable.  Minor changes were made to pockets of fuels near north Fairview and Goleta Way to capture grassy fields (FM104) and scattered pocket of eucalyptus (FM165). Both areas had been classified Urban FM 91 or Agricultural FM93.

Weather: Based on weather records obtained from the Montecito RAWS, 90th percentile weather was developed for use in the fire behavior analysis. This RAWS has continuous weather records dating back to 1996. This dataset was evaluated in Fire Family Plus based on the height of the fire season, June 1 and November 15. Additional records from the Glen Annie RAWS were considered for use in developing the 90th percentile data, however, data for this station only exists for the time period May 1, 1992 to February 1, 1995. These records were disregarded in the weather analysis due to the limited extend of the data available.

90th percentile weather used in the analysis was

Max Temp Min Temp* Max RH Min RH Fuel Moistures Windspeed 94⁰F 77⁰F 77% 17% 5%/6%/7%/76% 6 mph *50th percentile minimum temperature was used (64⁰ F) for modeling fire behavior purposes

Winds recorded at the Montecito RAWS range between 0 and 8 mph 81.6% of the time, with wind direction Southeast to South on 57% of the weather records. The wind direction at Montecito is different than that recorded at the Glen Annie RAWS during it short operational life. The Glen Annie RAWS trends more West to Southwest with these directions reported on 37% of the recordings. Wind roses for the two locations are presented below.

A second weather dataset based on observations from the Santa Barbara Airport during the 2009 Jesusita Fire was developed for use in a FARSITE simulation in order to model the potential effects of a sundowner wind on fire spread. Airport records for the time period immediately before, during and after the fire were used to build the wind and weather files used in the modeling. The weather data for this period of time lead to slightly lower fuels moistures than the historic 90th percentile. This “dry” fuel moisture scenario (3%, 4%, 5%) was used represent dead fuel moisture in FARSITE modeling runs. The live fuel moisture was set at 113% in the model as it was reported during the Jesusita fire. This information is based upon the San Marcos sampling station of the USFS.

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Montecito Wind Data MPH ______Direction ______Range N NNE NE ENE E ESE SE SSE S SSW SW WSW W WNW NW NNW Total 1-4 2.1 0.0 1.8 0.0 2.8 0.0 9.5 0.0 7.3 0.0 0.9 0.0 0.6 0.0 0.6 0.0 25.7 4-8 3.8 0.0 3.7 0.0 7.9 0.0 16.6 0.0 21.2 0.0 1.2 0.0 0.7 0.0 0.9 0.0 55.9 8-13 0.5 0.0 0.4 0.0 0.7 0.0 0.7 0.0 1.9 0.0 0.5 0.0 0.4 0.0 0.5 0.0 5.5 13-19 0.3 0.0 0.1 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.2 0.0 0.3 0.0 0.1 0.0 0.1 0.0 0.4 0.0 1.4 19-25 0.1 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.1 0.0 0.2 25-32 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 32-39 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.1 39-47 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 47 + 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Total (%) 6.7 0.0 6.0 0.0 11.5 0.0 27.0 0.0 30.6 0.0 2.7 0.0 1.7 0.0 2.6 0.0 88.8

Calm (<1) 11.2

Ave Speed 2.0 0.0 4.7 0.0 4.7 0.0 4.2 0.0 4.8 0.0 5.1 0.0 5.5 0.0 8.1 0.0 4.3

Wind Roses for Glen Annie (top) and Montecito RAWS (bottom)

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FlamMap

FlamMap outputs for Flame Length, Rate of Spread and Crown Fire Activity were generated for the landscape area. The model was run using the “dry” fuel moisture scenario (3%,4%,5%,30%,80%) developed primarily for the FARSITE simulations. This moisture scenario is met to represent mid-summer conditions when live herbaceous fuels have fully cured and live woody fuels are approaching their minimums for the fire season. The California custom fuel models were applied within FlamMap to allow the use of the Burgan Scott 40 fuel models.

Winds in FlamMap were set at 210⁰ azimuth to reflect the wind direction associated with the Glen Annie RAWS. Wind speed in the model was set to 6 mph representing the 90th percentile for the Montecito RAWS.

A fuel moisture scenario was used in FlamMap and therefore a fuel moisture-conditioning period was assigned by the model, as the use of a fuel model dataset overrides this model function.

FlamMap Outputs - Reflects the outputs for the entire landscape area. Additional GIS will be required to determine outputs at a more refined scale.

FlamMap Outputs – Entire Landscape Flame Length Rate of Spread (ft/min) Crown Fire Activity* 0-4 4-8 8-11 11+ 0-25 25-50 50+ Surface Passive Active 33% 27% 8% 32% 74% 22% 4% 55% 44% 1% *Based on burnable fuel type only. Excludes urban and agricultural fuel types

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BEHAVE PLUS

In order to capture the flame lengths associated with the fuels within or immediately adjacent to the city boundary, BehavePlus 5.0.4 was run for these fuel models using a static set of inputs to the model. Not all fuel models required all inputs and only the required inputs to generate the flame length outputs were utilized. The environmental conditions used mirror the 90th percentile weather used in the FlamMap fire modeling scenario.

The conditions are:

Fuel Moistures:

 1-hr – 3%  10-hhr – 4%  100-hr – 5%  Live herbaceous – 30%  Live woody – 80%

Canopy Characteristics:

 Canopy cover – 60%  Canopy height – 65 feet  Live-crown ratio – 0.9

Other environmental factors:

 Slope – 0%  20’ wind speed – 6 mph

Table 1. Model Outputs – Flame Length

Fuel Model 101 104 121 122 141 142 145 147 165 181 182 183 184 188 Flame Length 1.4 7.7 2.6 4.0 1.1 3.5 13.0 12.3 3.9 0.3 0.4 0.6 0.7 1.8 (feet)

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Vegetation Treatment Unit – Ellwood Mesa

Based on prescription parameters provided by the Geo Elements team, an analysis of the changes in fire behavior characteristics associated with treating the Vegetation Management Unit was conducted using BehavePlus, version 5.0.4. BehavePlus provides a means of modeling wildland fire and its effects. Inputs into this model are user defined with each calculation based on the assumption that conditions are uniform and constant for the time period being modeled.

BehavePlus was used as the modeling tool in this analysis because the resolution of the fuels data layer used in the FlamMap analysis is not fine enough to capture the fuels treatments being proposed. The resolution of the fuels data used in the FlamMap analysis is 30 square meters, with all fuels characteristics held constant within that area. This scale is too course to reflect the prescriptions proposed by the Geo Elements Team.

Modeling Assumptions:

Fuel Models: The existing digital fuels layers was queried to determine the fuel models used in the original FlamMap fire behavior simulations. Two fuel models were determined to dominate the Ellwood Mesa area; these are Fuel Model 104,” Moderate Load Dry Climate Grass” and 165, “Very High Load Dry Climate Timber-Shrub”. Fuel model 165 is the best representation of the Eucalyptus groves on the mesa.

For modeling purposes, the fuel models were changed to reflect the changes in vegetation associated with treating the fuels within the VMU. By changing the fuel models while holding all other environmental parameters constant, changes in fire behavior directed related to modifying the existing fuels can be determined. For this analysis Fuel Model 104 as changed to both fuel models 102 ”Low Load Dry Climate Grass” and 101, “Short, Sparse, Dry Climate Grass”. The shortness of the grass after mowing will determine which model best fits the modified conditions. Fuel model 101 will best represent the shortest/sparsest grass.

The treatments proposed for with the Eucalyptus groves allow the fuel model to change from fuel 165 for the existing condition to 163, “Moderate Load Dry Climate Broadleaf Litter”. No modifications were made to the canopy characteristics of the Eucalyptus stands.

Fuel Moisture: The same assumptions regarding fuel moistures are used in both the FlamMap and BehavePlus analysis. The “dry” fuel moisture scenario is applied in both models, with fuel moistures classified as:

 1-hour fuels = 3%  10-hour fuels = 4%  100-hour fuels = 5%  Herbaceous Fuels = 30%  Live woody fuels = 80%  Foliar moisture = 100%

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Winds: A range of 20’ winds (0-12 mph) were used in the BehavePlus analysis to cover a variety of environmental conditions that may be associated with the analysis area. This range includes 6 mph, the wind speed used in the FlamMap analysis. BehavePlus was enabled to select the most appropriate wind reduction factor for converting 20’ winds into the mid-flame winds, which are utilized in the model. For the grass fuel types the reduction factors are, 104 - 0.42; 102 – 0.36; 101 – 0.31. In the Eucalyptus groves the reduction factors are 165 – 0.36 and 163 – 0.29.

Wind direction was set to upslope to represent an onshore flow which is most common to the analysis area. This matches the wind direction of 210⁰ used in FlamMap

Slope: The digital files in FlamMap were queried to assign the slope used in the BehavePlus analysis. The analysis area is dominated by slopes less than 10%, with isolated areas of slopes up to 20%. Steeper slopes associated with the bluffs are outside of the proposed VMU and were not included when determining an overall slope to use in BehavePlus. For modeling purposes the slope was set at 10%

Model Outputs: Grass Fuel Types

BehavePlus was run with multiple inputs for fuel models and 20’ windspeed. Fuel model 104 represents the existing condition, while fuel model 102 represents grass mowed to approximately 1-foot height and fuel model 101 represents grass mowed to the lowest level possible. All grasses are considered to be fully cured. The model yields the following outputs for Rate of Spread (ROS) and Flame Length (FL).

Table 1. Rate of Spread (chains/hr)

Windspeed (20 foot) Fuel Model 0 2 4 6 8 10 12 104 5.7 15.0 31.3 51.9 76.0 102.9 132.5 102 2.9 6.7 13.2 21.6 31.3 42.2 54.1 101 1.3 2.4 4.5 7.2 10.6 14.4 18.7

Table 2. Flame Length (feet)

Windspeed (20 foot) Fuel Model 0 2 4 6 8 10 12 104 2.8 4.4 6.1 7.1 9.2 10.6 11.9 102 1.5 2.2 3.0 3.8 4.5 5.2 5.8 101 0.6 0.8 1.1 1.4 1.7 1.9 2.2

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Model Outputs: Eucalyptus

The fuel model for treated areas of the Eucalyptus groves was changed to reflect the reduction in dead fuel loading and thinning from below within the stands. The reduction in the surface fuel loadings associated with the treatment creates a physical environment best represented by fuel model 163. Fuel model 165 represents the existing condition and was the fuel model assigned to the groves during the initial FlamMap simulations.

Table 3. Rate of Spread (chains/hr)

Windspeed (20 foot) Fuel Model 0 2 4 6 8 10 12 165 1.2 2.3 3.7 5.2 6.8 8.4 10.2 163 0.8 1.1 1.7 2.4 3.2 4.1 5.1

Table 4. Flame Length (feet)

Windspeed (20 foot) Fuel Model 0 2 4 6 8 10 12 165 3.1 4.1 5.1 6.0 6.8 7.5 8.2 163 1.2 1.4 1.6 1.9 2.2 2.5 2.7

Model Validation

A check of outputs obtained from the original FlamMap analysis and the BehavePlus analysis was completed to validate that the models were reflecting similar fire behavior characteristics under static environmental conditions. The two models are in relative agreement as to the fire behavior outputs for the existing condition. The comparison of the two models indicted:

Table 5. FlamMap/BehavePlus Model Comparison

Rate of Spread Flame Length (feet) (chains/hr) FlamMap BehavePlus FlamMap BehavePlus Grass Model (104) 41.0 51.9 7.0 7.1 Eucalyptus Model (165)* 4.0 to 8.0 5.2 6.0 6.0

*Fire behavior characteristics were compared where FlamMap modeled surface fire within the Eucalyptus groves. Where FlamMap modeled crown fire activity, the fire behavior characteristics greatly exceeded the flame lengths and rates of spread modeled in BehavePlus. As a fire behavior model, BehavePlus is not robust enough to be used for validation purposes when analyzing crown fire spread and intensities.

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Rate of Spread - Grass Fuel Models 250

200

150 FM104 100 Chains/hr FM102

50 FM101

0 0 2 4 6 8 10 12 Windspeed - 20 foot

Flame Length - Grass Fuel Models 14 12 10

8 FM104 Feet 6 FM102 4 FM101 2 0 0 2 4 6 8 10 12 Windspeed - 20 foot

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Appendix D Building Standards

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Appendix E General Guidelines for Creating Defensible Space

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Appendix F City of Goleta Existing Fuel Treatments

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